Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Dec 19: Panic prevailed late Thursday night after a fire broke out at a banquet hall in Maharashtra’s Thane city, even as more than 1,000 guests attending a wedding reception managed to escape unhurt, officials said.

The incident occurred around 11 pm at ‘The Blue Roof Club’, located in the Ovala area along Ghodbunder Road. At the time, a wedding reception was underway with an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 guests present at the venue.

According to Yasin Tadvi, Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the fire originated from mandap decoration materials that were kept outside a cabin on the lawn of the premises. The flames quickly spread, prompting immediate evacuation efforts.

“As soon as the fire was noticed, guests were safely moved out of the venue, preventing any casualties,” Tadvi said, adding that timely alertness helped avert a major mishap.

Fire brigade officials rushed to the spot with two fire engines, a rescue vehicle and a utility vehicle. The blaze was brought under control by around midnight.

Officials said swift evacuation and prompt firefighting action played a crucial role in preventing injuries or loss of life. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and further investigation is underway.