Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 | Last Update : 12:03 PM IST
1 killed, 8 injured as auto catches fire in Govandi
Victims, all from same family were in the auto rickshaw; Vehicle’s CNG cylinder had a leak.
Victims, all from same family were in the auto rickshaw; Vehicle’s CNG cylinder had a leak.
In a terrifying incident, a four-month-old infant died and eight others, including three minors, suffered serious burn injuries as the auto rickshaw they were travelling in caught fire due to a gas leak at the bus stop opposite Hindustan bank in Shivaji Nagar, Govandi, on Sunday.
According to the police, while the four-month-old infant succumbed to his injuries, the eight other passengers, including three minors, four women and the auto driver, are in critical condition. The accident was reported to have taken place around 10-10.30 pm. Following the incident, the injured were rushed to the BMC-run Shatabdi Hospital. However, they were later shifted to Sion Hospital’s burns ward.
A senior official from Sion hospital said, “All the victims were members of the same family and residents of Shivaji Nagar. The injured were identified as Khatija Qureshi (40), Firdous Qureshi (18), Farhana Qureshi (30), Sajida Qureshi (30), Aafsha Qureshi (7), Sadaf Qureshi (10) and three-month-old Rehan Qureshi. Aafsha and Rehan remain critical. Most of the injured have sustained 40 to 60 per cent burn injuries.”
Fire brigade officials said, “The eight members of the family were travelling from Deonar to Shivaji Nagar when their auto rickshaw caught fire around 8.15 pm, which spread quickly. The fire was the result of a leakage from the CNG cylinder fitted in the boot of the rickshaw. Commuters and pedestrians immediately rushed to the passengers’ rescue and took them to hospital.”
ACP (traffic department) Sunil Paraskar said, “Eight passengers commuting in a single auto rickshaw is a violation of the rule. Many times, people don’t realise how they risk their lives by doing so. Passengers should be mindful commuting in an overloaded rickshaw or taxi is always unsafe and against the law. We will take cognisance of this and will see to it that the on-duty traffic policemen keep a hawk eye on such offenders.”
