A wedding celebration in Thane, Maharashtra, turned into a scene of panic and emergency on Saturday night after a major fire erupted at a popular banquet hall. The incident, which occurred at the Rajgreen Garden banquet hall located in the Vartak Nagar area on Mira Road, led to the swift evacuation of more than 100 guests and staff members. Fortunately, prompt action by the fire brigade and local authorities ensured that no casualties or serious injuries were reported.
Timeline of the Terrifying Incident
The fire is reported to have started around 9:30 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2024. At the time, the hall was packed with attendees for a wedding ceremony. Initial reports suggest that the blaze originated on the first floor of the two-story structure. Panic spread quickly as smoke began to fill the premises, but the situation was brought under control due to the rapid response of the fire department.
The Thane Municipal Corporation's Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) received the alert and immediately dispatched firefighting teams to the spot. Multiple fire engines from the Mira Road and nearby fire stations were rushed to the location to combat the flames. The operation to douse the fire and ensure complete safety continued for several hours into the night.
Mass Evacuation and Rescue Operations
The primary focus of the emergency teams was the safe evacuation of all individuals present inside the burning banquet hall. Firefighters and police personnel worked in coordination to guide the terrified wedding guests out of the building. More than 100 people, including family members, guests, and banquet hall staff, were successfully evacuated from the premises. While there were scenes of chaos and fear, the evacuation was carried out in an orderly manner, preventing any stampede or crush injuries.
Emergency medical services were also put on standby at the site. Preliminary checks confirmed that no one suffered serious burns or required immediate hospitalization, which authorities hailed as a major relief. Some individuals were treated for minor anxiety and smoke inhalation at the scene.
Investigation into the Cause and Aftermath
After the flames were fully extinguished, fire officials began a thorough inspection of the gutted hall to determine the origin and cause of the fire. While the exact reason is still under investigation, initial suspicions are pointing towards a possible short circuit in the electrical wiring on the first floor. A detailed forensic report is awaited to confirm the precise sequence of events.
The fire caused significant damage to the interior of the banquet hall, particularly on the first floor where it started. The property loss is estimated to be substantial, though an official figure has not yet been released. The incident has also raised serious questions about fire safety compliance in public assembly buildings in the area. Local authorities have indicated that they will be scrutinizing the fire safety license and preventive measures of the establishment as part of the standard procedure following such incidents.
This fire at Rajgreen Garden banquet hall serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger of fire hazards in crowded venues. It underscores the critical importance of rigorous adherence to fire safety norms, regular electrical audits, and the presence of clear evacuation protocols to prevent tragedy during public gatherings.
