More than 500 shops have been gutted in a fire that broke out near Manish market and Sahara Shopping Centre adjoining the Crawford market area in Mumbai in the wee hours of Saturday night. Fortunately, there have been no casualties in the fire accident.

The fire, for which the source is not yet known, began at 3 am and spread quickly to the surrounding areas. The property loss is not yet estimated but officials said it would run into crores.

25 fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the fire at the Sahara Centre was brought under control after a few hours but the firemen could not control the fire at Manish Market even after long hours, according to BMC Commissioner Subodh Kumar.

As the lanes in the oldest Crawford market are very narrow, fire men are finding it difficult to maneuver their vehicles. (JUBS)