Thane: A potential disaster was narrowly avoided late Thursday night when a fire broke out at a wedding venue in Maharashtra’s Thane city, forcing the evacuation of more than a thousand guests attending a marriage reception.
The incident took place around 11 pm at a banquet facility located in the Ovala area along Ghodbunder Road. At the time, the celebrations were in full swing, with a large number of invitees present at the premises.
Officials from the Thane Municipal Corporation said the fire originated from decorative materials stored near a temporary cabin on the venue’s lawn. The flames spread quickly, causing brief panic among guests before staff and emergency responders moved in to control the situation.
Yasin Tadvi, head of the civic body’s Disaster Management Cell, said approximately 1,000 to 1,200 people were inside the venue when the fire was detected. “Immediate action ensured everyone was guided out of the premises without injuries,” he said, crediting quick coordination between organisers and emergency services.
Fire brigade teams rushed to the spot with two fire engines, a rescue van and a utility vehicle. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within an hour, with the situation fully stabilised by midnight.
While the exact reason behind the fire remains under investigation, officials noted that early detection and orderly evacuation helped prevent what could have been a serious incident. Authorities are expected to examine safety arrangements at the venue as part of the inquiry.
