Marine Lines, Mumbai – June 13, 2025
A minor fire broke out in a street light lamp on the Marine Lines Bridge late Thursday evening, briefly alarming pedestrians and motorists during peak hours. The incident occurred around 7:45 PM, when commuters spotted smoke and flickering flames coming from the overhead lamp, prompting several to stop and alert authorities.
According to eyewitnesses, sparks were seen emerging from the lamp fixture before it caught fire, sending plumes of smoke into the air. “It was a small fire, but for a moment, people thought something major had happened. Traffic slowed down and people started pointing toward the flames,” said Rajesh Pawar, a cab driver who was passing by.
Local fire brigade units arrived swiftly at the scene and managed to douse the fire within minutes. No injuries were reported, and traffic movement resumed soon after officials declared the situation under control.
The Theory: Infrastructure Neglect or Short Circuit?
While officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the cause, initial speculation suggests a short circuit in the lamp’s internal wiring system could be responsible. With the onset of pre-monsoon showers in Mumbai, damp wiring and corroded electrical panels are common culprits for such incidents.
Sources in the BMC’s electrical maintenance wing hinted at the possibility of water seepage into the electrical compartment due to inadequate weatherproofing. “Street light poles, especially in coastal areas like Marine Lines, are prone to corrosion. If routine checks are skipped or insulation is compromised, even a minor spark can trigger a fire,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
This is not the first such incident in the city. Earlier this year, similar fire incidents were reported in street lamps at Bandra and Andheri, raising concerns about the upkeep of the city’s aging streetlight infrastructure.
What Comes Next?
Authorities are expected to launch a technical inspection of all street lights in the vicinity to ensure public safety. Civic officials have urged residents to immediately report any signs of malfunctioning or sparking electrical systems to the BMC helpline.
While no major damage was done, the incident once again highlights the pressing need for a proactive approach to urban infrastructure maintenance—especially as Mumbai braces for the monsoon.
