A 47-year-old woman, Raksha Joshi, died on Sunday morning after suffering 85 per cent burns in the Kandivli catering shop fire. She was first admitted to Kasturba Hospital and later shifted to the National Burns Centre in Airoli, where she succumbed during treatment, police said.
Hours later, another victim, Poonam Putni (Gupta), 30, who had sustained 90 per cent burns, also died at the same hospital. “She could not survive despite our best efforts,” confirmed Dr Sunil Keshwani, medical director of the National Burns Centre.
Janaki Gupta, 39, sustained 60-70 per cent burns, still critical; (right) Manaram Kumavat, 55, is stable after suffering 40 per cent burns
With these two deaths, the toll has climbed to two, while five others remain on ventilator support. The critically injured are: Shivani Gandhi (53, 80-90 per cent burns), Nitu Gupta (31, 80-90 per cent burns), Janaki Gupta (39, 60-70 per cent burns), and Durgavati Gupta (25, 90 per cent burns). Another victim, Manaram Kumavat (55), who sustained 40 per cent burns, is stable and not on ventilator support.
Speaking to mid-day, Vipul Vora, a close friend of Mitul Gandhi — husband of victim Shivani Gandhi — said, “Shivani is fighting for her life in Airoli Hospital. We friends have raised funds for all the injured, including Shivani, to cover medical expenses. Authorities are providing the bed and ventilator charges, but we are paying for medicines at actual cost.”
(From left) Raksha Joshi, 47, who died of burn injuries on Sunday morning, Poonam Putni (Gupta), 30, who also succumbed to burns, Nitu Gupta, 31, remains in critical condition with 80-90% burns and Durgavati Gupta, 25, battling for life with 90 per cent burns
He added that friends have so far managed to collect Rs 5.5 lakh but are still struggling to meet rising expenses. “We are praying for their speedy recovery,” he said. Senior Inspector Jaywant Shinde of Samta Nagar Police confirmed the deaths and said the condition of the other victims remains critical. According to police, the fire began after staff noticed a leaking gas cylinder inside the shop.
One worker placed the cylinder in a drum of water in an attempt to contain the leak, but the gas remained trapped. The shutter was locked, and when staff later reopened the shop, the strong odour of gas lingered. While checking the cylinder, someone switched on the light, triggering an explosion as the gas ignited through the electrical wires. The workers tried to escape but were trapped as the blaze engulfed the shop.
