Solapur, Maharashtra – In a heart-wrenching incident that has shocked the industrial town of Solapur, eight people including three women and a child lost their lives in a massive fire that broke out at Central Textile Mills. The Solapur Fire Tragedy occurred in the early hours of Sunday, causing widespread devastation and raising serious questions about fire safety protocols in industrial areas.
According to officials, the Solapur Fire Tragedy began around 3:45 am when a suspected short circuit triggered a blaze that quickly engulfed the factory located in the Akkalkot Road MIDC area. The textile mill, which manufactured the famous Solapuri Chaddar and towels, was situated on a 12-gunta plot with a ground-plus-two-floor structure.
Victims of the Solapur Fire Tragedy
The devastating Solapur Fire Tragedy claimed the lives of the factory owner and his family members who were residing on the premises, along with several workers. Those who perished in the incident have been identified as:
- Usman Mansuri (87) – Owner of Central Textile Mills
- Anas Mansuri (24)
- Sika Mansuri (24)
- Yusuf Mansuri (1.5) – A toddler just under two years old
- Ayesha Bagwan (45)
- Mehtab Bagwan (51) – Factory worker
- Hina Bagwan (35) – Factory worker
- Salman Bagwan (18) – Factory worker
The Solapur Fire Tragedy has left the local community in deep shock, especially given that a young child was among those who lost their lives in the horrific incident.
Firefighting Efforts and Challenges During the Solapur Fire Tragedy
The Solapur Fire Tragedy presented enormous challenges to firefighters who battled the blaze for over 10 hours. Rakesh Salunkhe, chief of the Solapur Municipal Corporation’s fire department, and two other firefighters sustained injuries during the rescue operations, highlighting the dangerous conditions they faced.
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Upon receiving the emergency call, multiple fire brigade teams rushed to the site of the Solapur Fire Tragedy. Ten fire engines were deployed to combat the fierce blaze, with additional water tenders arriving from surrounding areas including Pandharpur, the NTPC project, Akkalkot, and Chincholi MIDC to support the extensive firefighting operation.
However, the Solapur Fire Tragedy was exacerbated by several factors that complicated the rescue efforts:
- The congested layout of the area made it difficult for firefighters to access the building
- The presence of highly flammable materials like cotton, threads, and chemical liquids accelerated the spread of the fire
- A small religious place constructed within the premises created additional hurdles
- The factory had limited entry and exit points, trapping those inside
- Unauthorized structures and stockpiles of textile yarns blocked access routes for fire vehicles
Firefighters employed high ladders, breathing apparatus, and aerial platforms in their desperate attempts to rescue victims during the Solapur Fire Tragedy. Despite their continuous efforts, the fire could not be fully brought under control for several hours due to the combustible materials that fueled the blaze.
Allegations of Delayed Response in the Solapur Fire Tragedy
In the aftermath of the Solapur Fire Tragedy, survivors and local residents have expressed anger and frustration, alleging that a delayed response by the fire brigade contributed to the high death toll. Some claimed that the lack of modern firefighting equipment and poor preparedness hindered timely rescue operations during the critical early stages of the blaze.
According to local resident Sadik Sheikh, residents dialed the emergency number 112 to seek help during the Solapur Fire Tragedy, but the fire brigade allegedly arrived too late. “Because of the delayed response, the Mansuri family members were charred to death. The fire department must take responsibility for these deaths,” Sheikh stated.
The Solapur Fire Tragedy became even more heart-wrenching with reports that some of the victims made desperate phone calls from a bathroom where they had taken refuge, pleading for help that ultimately arrived too late to save them.
CPI(M) leader Narasayya Adam, who visited the site of the Solapur Fire Tragedy, also alleged that adequate efforts were not made to rescue the victims: “The factory is very old and employs over 200-225 workers. The fire brigade arrived too late, allowing the fire to spread rapidly. They took more than 6-7 hours to control it. The factory owner and his family were trapped inside and no efforts were made to rescue them in time.”
Fire Department’s Response to Allegations Regarding the Solapur Fire Tragedy
Fire Chief Rakesh Salunkhe offered the department’s perspective on their response to the Solapur Fire Tragedy, stating that they received the fire call between 4 AM and 4:15 AM. “A total of 10 fire tankers were deployed and continuously refilled, amounting to over 50 water tanker trips,” he explained.
Salunkhe detailed the challenges faced during the Solapur Fire Tragedy: “Open areas near the factory were occupied with stockpiles of textile yarns, blocking access to our vehicles. We had to use ladders and cut through window grills to carry out the rescue.”
Solapur Municipal Commissioner Sachin Ombase firmly refuted allegations of delay in responding to the Solapur Fire Tragedy: “Our first vehicle reached the spot on time. But due to the intensity of the fire, our men could not immediately enter the premises. There was only one entry-exit point, and unauthorized structures and stockpiles blocked access. Despite this, we used ladders to gain entry and fight the fire.”
Official Responses and Compensation Announced for Victims of the Solapur Fire Tragedy
The Solapur Fire Tragedy has prompted responses from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims and their families. The Prime Minister’s Office posted on social media: “Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Solapur, Maharashtra. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
Following the Solapur Fire Tragedy, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured, to be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed grief over the Solapur Fire Tragedy and announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability After the Solapur Fire Tragedy
The Solapur Fire Tragedy has triggered demands for a thorough investigation and accountability. CPI(M) leader Narasayya Adam stated that he would call Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding an inquiry and strict action against the civic officials responsible for any lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy. Adam also sought appropriate compensation for the families of those who lost their lives.
Baba Mistry, former corporator of the Solapur Municipal Corporation, alleged that the Solapur Fire Tragedy was exacerbated by the fire brigade’s lack of sufficient firefighting equipment, which he claimed caused the delay in dousing the blaze.
Lessons and Preventive Measures Following the Solapur Fire Tragedy
The Solapur Fire Tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of strict adherence to fire safety protocols, especially in industrial settings where flammable materials are present. Several key lessons emerge from this incident:
- The need for regular fire safety audits in industrial areas
- Strict enforcement of regulations prohibiting residential use of industrial premises
- Ensuring adequate emergency exits and evacuation routes in all buildings
- Maintaining clear access routes for emergency vehicles
- Proper storage of flammable materials and chemicals
- Installation of modern fire detection and suppression systems
- Regular training for both factory workers and fire department personnel
As the community mourns the lives lost in this tragedy, the Solapur Fire Tragedy will likely result in renewed scrutiny of industrial safety practices and fire response protocols across Maharashtra and beyond. The incident highlights the critical importance of preventive measures that could help avert similar tragedies in the future.
Local authorities have indicated that following the Solapur Fire Tragedy, they will conduct comprehensive inspections of factories in the MIDC area to identify and address similar safety violations. The focus will be on ensuring that industrial premises are not being used for residential purposes and that proper fire safety equipment and protocols are in place across all manufacturing units.
