Down and Out - Abandoned and Broke

Location:

Ganesh Krupa slums, Darukhana,

Reay Road, Mumbai,

Date: 23rd February 2012.

Time: 1430 hrs

 

 

A garbage heap caught fire when someone threw a lit cigarette. Within moments, the flames spread to the nearby slums which are the homes of 1500 people.

Five fire engines and four water tankers were sent immediately by the Fire-control room.

The fire-fighting heroes were set to action within no time.

 

Mazagao Dock happens to be this slum's neighbour, which is the shoreline of North Reay Road was not very far away from the flames.

The firefighters had a hard time controlling the fire.

 

 

 

 

Most of the slum dwellers had lost their homes in the fire already, while some were trying to save as much as they could.

What they were hoping for is to see their families alive. All were happy to see their family alive except the mother of Ashfaque Shaikh, a 4 year old boy who was stuck inside the room unnoticed.

  

  

Most of the men who lived in this locality had been to work. It was not a good sight to see your home turned into ashes when you are back home.

The fire was doused by 5:30pm but it had taken away the homes of the poor slum dwellers and more importantly, a life of the 4-year old kid.

- Tejas Kudtarkar