A major fire broke out at a plastic manufacturing company in the Asangaon MIDC area of Shahapur, Thane district, late Sunday evening. Huge flames and thick smoke filled the sky as firefighters rushed to the scene. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.

Fire Breaks Out in Plastic Factory

The fire started suddenly in the storage section of a plastic goods factory. Workers noticed flames spreading quickly due to large quantities of plastic and chemicals stored inside. Within minutes, the entire unit was engulfed in fire. Locals saw thick black smoke rising several kilometres away.

Firefighters Rush to Control the Blaze

Fire tenders from Shahapur, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan reached the site immediately after receiving emergency calls. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours using water jets and foam. Officials confirmed the fire was brought under control late at night, though cooling operations continued till morning to prevent re-ignition.

Massive Damage, But No Lives Lost

The fire caused huge property damage, destroying machinery, materials, and finished goods inside the factory. Preliminary estimates suggest losses worth several lakhs of rupees.
However, no injuries or deaths were reported as all workers managed to escape safely before the fire spread.

Plastic Materials Fueled the Flames

Officials said the presence of plastic and rubber materials made the blaze difficult to control. The thick smoke created visibility problems for firefighters. The heat was so intense that nearby factory walls were damaged, though the fire did not spread to adjoining units.

Cause of the Fire Under Investigation

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. Fire department officials suspect a short circuit or machinery overheating could have triggered it. The MIDC administration and local police have launched an investigation to determine the exact reason.

Local Panic, Roads Closed

Residents near Asangaon MIDC were alarmed by the large flames and smoke. Police quickly sealed off nearby roads to ensure fire engines could move freely. Many locals recorded videos of the fire and shared them online, with visuals showing the sky glowing red through the night.

Quick Evacuation Prevented Tragedy

Thanks to prompt action by factory staff and emergency services, all workers were evacuated in time. Safety protocols and fire alarms helped avoid a major tragedy. Nearby factories were temporarily shut as a precaution.

Firefighters Face Tough Battle

Fire officials said it was a challenging operation due to the combustible nature of plastic products. High flames, dense smoke, and toxic fumes made it dangerous for the rescue teams. Firefighters had to wear oxygen masks and protective suits to enter the burning unit.

Environmental Concerns

Thick smoke from burning plastic led to air pollution in the area. Authorities have advised people living nearby to avoid outdoor exposure until the air clears. Environmental experts warned that toxic gases could harm air quality and urged factories to store materials more safely.

Officials and Police at the Site

Senior officials from Shahapur Police and MIDC administration visited the spot to review the situation. The Disaster Management Team also reached the site to assist with safety measures and ensure nearby areas remained secure.

Safety Audit Ordered

After the incident, the MIDC authority announced that it will conduct a fire safety audit of all factories in the Asangaon industrial area. Units found without proper fire control systems may face strict action or penalties.

Eyewitness Accounts

Locals described the incident as one of the worst fires in recent years in Asangaon MIDC. “We saw huge flames and thick smoke. Firefighters worked all night. Luckily, no one was hurt,” said a nearby shop owner. Videos circulating online showed the intensity of the fire and emergency vehicles lined up on the road.

Past Incidents Raise Safety Questions

The Asangaon fire has renewed concerns about industrial safety in Thane district. Similar incidents have occurred in Bhiwandi, Dombivli, and Ambernath in the past few years. Experts say many small and medium factories lack proper fire-fighting equipment and regular safety inspections.

Relief and Precaution

Local authorities thanked firefighters for their quick response, which helped prevent a bigger disaster. People were urged to stay calm and follow safety guidelines. Officials also reminded factory owners to conduct regular fire drills and maintain emergency exits.

Current Situation

As of Monday morning, the situation was under control, and cooling operations were completed. Police continue to guard the site while investigation teams assess the total damage and verify compliance with fire safety norms.