Rs 2 lakh compensation for slain firefighters' kin

Mumbai: Maharashtra government has announced a financial assistance of Rs two lakh to the kin of each of the six firemen who died while trying to extinguish a fire at a residential complex in Thane.

The firemen got stuck in a lift in a housing complex in Vartak Nagar locality where they had gone to put out a blaze and died due to suffocation.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, while announcing the compensation, lauded bravery of the firefighters of the Thane Municipal fire services and their sacrifice in the line of duty.

Deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal and NCP state unit president R R Patil also appreciated the work done by fire fighters.

Bhujbal said the fire fighters made "paramount sacrifice" while discharging their duties.

Meanwhile, a senior official in Thane said authorities will seek a report on the lift maintenance status in the building.