Fire fury in Waluj industrial estate over two days crores worth of material reduced to ashes

Lokmat News Network Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A series of major fires at three separate locations in Waluj MIDC over Saturday and Sunday sent shockwaves through the industrial belt, gutting crores worth of material. No casualties were reported in any of the incidents, averting a major tragedy. The back-to-back blazes have raised serious questions over fire safety preparedness in the region.

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Polycab warehouse gutted

On Sunday (3rd) at around 3.30 pm, fire broke out at the Polycab India Limited warehouse at Plot No. 105, near CIDCO-MHADA Colony. The blaze reportedly started from dry grass in an adjacent open space and rapidly spread, engulfing stored cables, wire bundles, transformers, fuse boxes, nearly 1,500 service cable boxes and large quantities of electrical material. Store in-charge Mahendra Gaikwad estimated losses in crores, noting a single wire bundle costs around Rs 4.5 lakh.

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Five fire engines, 15 tankers deployed

Five fire engines from MIDC, the municipal corporation and Bajaj company, along with 12 to 15 water tankers, rushed to the spot. After nearly an hour of intense efforts, the fire was brought under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby areas.

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Heat treatment unit ablaze in Waluj

On Saturday (2nd), sparks from a heater triggered a fire at KVR Industries at Gat No. 67, Plot No. 52, Wadgaon Kolhati, Waluj. Workers attempted to douse the flames but fled as it intensified. Firefighters controlled the blaze after two hours. Furnace machines, conveyors, oil tanks, electrical panels, cable wiring and furniture were destroyed, causing losses worth lakhs.

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Waste Management Project Fire Poses Biogas Risk

Later that night at around 11 pm, fire broke out in waste material at the Blue Planet – Mahindra & Mahindra waste management project (Plot No. P-183), near Zambad Chowk. Thick smoke caused breathing difficulties for nearby residents and workers. As the facility processes waste to generate biogas, the fire posed significant danger. Firefighters battled through the night, fully controlling the blaze by 3:30 am on Sunday.

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Three incidents, cause still unclear

The exact cause of each fire remains under investigation, with preliminary suspicions pointing to technical faults and negligence in some cases. Whether the waste plant fire was accidental or deliberate is yet to be officially confirmed. The recurring incidents have intensified demands for stricter safety measures across Waluj MIDC