Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Thunderstorm Batters Thane Areas, Damaging Trees, Vehicles and Power Lines
A powerful thunderstorm hit Bhiwandi and Shahapur on Wednesday evening.
Heavy rain and strong winds knocked down many trees.
Some fallen branches damaged cars, motorcycles, a bus, and buildings.
Lightning also set a palm tree on fire in Devjinagar.
Firefighters put out the fire, and nobody was reported hurt there.
At one site, a fallen branch reportedly killed about 15 to 16 birds.
Power was interrupted in several places when trees and wires fell.
Local teams worked to clear roads and restore electricity.
A former local lawmaker asked officials to inspect the damage and provide help to affected people.
Strong winds and torrential rain disrupted normal life across Bhiwandi and Shahapur on Wednesday evening.
Lightning set a palm tree ablaze in Bhiwandi’s Devjinagar, but firefighters reported no casualties or major property damage.
Fallen trees and branches damaged vehicles, electricity infrastructure, the Shahapur bus station, and a bus depot.
Around 15 to 16 birds were reported dead after a branch collapsed at the Shahapur Panchayat Samiti premises.
Rescue teams cleared debris and wires, while former MLA Pandurang Barora sought damage surveys and compensation.
- Who
- Residents, commuters, transport and electricity workers, emergency teams, and affected birds in Bhiwandi and Shahapur were involved.
- What
- A thunderstorm caused fallen trees, damaged vehicles and property, power outages, a palm-tree fire, and reported bird deaths.
- When
- Wednesday evening.
- Where
- Bhiwandi’s Devjinagar and several locations across Shahapur town and taluka, including the Panchayat Samiti premises and bus station.
- Why
- Strong winds, torrential rain, lightning, and hail caused the damage and disruption.
- Affected areas
- Bhiwandi and Shahapur
- Storm timing
- Wednesday evening
- Reported bird deaths
- Approximately 15 to 16 birds
- Fire incident
- Lightning struck a palm tree in Devjinagar, Bhiwandi
- Vehicle damage
- A car and three to four two-wheelers were trapped at the Panchayat Samiti premises; a bus and car were damaged near Shahapur bus station
- Emergency response
- Jeev Rakshak Dal, police, electricity personnel, and the Anjurphata fire brigade assisted with response efforts
- Relief request
- Former Shahapur MLA Pandurang Barora requested damage surveys, panchnamas, compensation, and assistance