India, May 21 -- A massive fire at the Gaondevi public vegetable market complex near Thane railway station in Maharashtra claimed the lives of two people, including a firefighter and a security guard, while several others sustained injuries.

The blaze reportedly broke out in the early hours of Thursday, sending huge flames and thick smoke across the market area and triggering panic among nearby residents and vendors.

According to officials, emergency teams rushed to the spot and launched extensive firefighting operations to control the blaze.

During the rescue and firefighting efforts, a firefighter and a security guard lost their lives, while two other firefighters suffered injuries while battling the flames.

Authorities are continui...