**Mumbai: Three of Seven Critically Injured in Kandivali Fire Declared Dead**
Out of seven people critically injured in a fire incident in Kandivali, three were declared dead on Sunday. The deceased have been identified as Raksha Joshi (47), who suffered 85–90% burns and was undergoing treatment at Borivali’s Kasturba Hospital; Nitu Gupta (31), who suffered 80% burns; and another 28-year-old female victim with 90% burns. The latter two were admitted to the National Burns Centre, Airoli.
The remaining four victims continue to be in critical condition as they receive treatment.
**Gas Explosion in Catering Kitchen**
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, September 24, when a gas explosion took place in a catering service kitchen located in Kandivali’s Akurli area. Seven people, including six women, suffered severe burn injuries of up to 90% due to the blast.
The victims were rushed immediately to the National Burns Centre in Airoli and Kasturba Hospital for emergency treatment.
**Kitchen Lacked Safety Permissions**
The explosion happened at Ram Kisan Mestri Chawl, Akurli Cross Road No. 3, at around 9:05 am. The caterer’s kitchen was operating from a small 10×12 sq ft shop that had been shifted to the location only two days before the incident.
Officials confirmed that the shop did not possess a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) and lacked necessary permissions from the local ward office and police authorities.
**Four Remain in Critical Condition**
The four other victims are still undergoing treatment at the National Burns Centre in Airoli. Doctors have stated that their conditions remain critical as they continue to battle severe burn injuries.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety regulations in commercial kitchens to prevent such tragedies.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/kandivali-fire-two-dead-five-critically-injured-after-gas-explosion-in-catering-kitchen
