A massive fire broke out near Rithala Metro Station in Rohini, Delhi, due to which about 500 slums were reduced to ashes. One person died and another was seriously injured in this accident.
According to officials, the fire broke out late on Friday night and could be completely extinguished by 9 am on Saturday.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but police said the explosion in several LPG cylinders fueled the fire and spread panic among residents. Moreover, the plastic used in making the slums made the fire even worse.
Locals claim that the fire started from the entrance of the settlement, trapping many families. In an attempt to escape, people started breaking walls and tin walls to escape the fire.
Police said that they received information about the fire at around 10:50 pm on Friday night. Eight to 10 fire engines were deployed to control the fire.
“Police personnel immediately reached the spot and helped in extinguishing the fire,” a senior police officer said. “The fire quickly spread to Bengali Colony and around 300 thatched huts were affected,” another police officer said.
Delhi Fire Service said that they received information about the fire at 10.56 pm on Friday, following which several fire engines and fire fighting robots reached the spot. Police cordoned off the area and additional fire engines were kept ready.
A thick plume of smoke was seen rising from the area and locals ran here and there to save their belongings and move to safer places. According to fire officials, as per preliminary information, 400 to 500 huts have been burnt to ashes.
Police said that during the rescue operation, scrap dealer Munna (30) was taken to Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. He said that another person Rajesh is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital.
“A case was registered on November 8 under BNS sections 287 (negligent or rash act involving fire or inflammable substances), 125 (A) (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 106 (causing death by negligence) and further investigation is underway,” the officer said.
Forensic and crime teams are involved in the investigation. The official said that the cause of the fire is not yet known. He said that the fire was completely controlled by around 9 in the morning.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said in a post on Twitter that the injured were rushed to hospitals and relief and rehabilitation work was carried out rapidly. He said that food and water were provided to the affected people and temporary shelters were set up for them.
“Food and drinking water have been arranged for the affected people. Temporary shelters are being set up while a permanent relief center is operational at Rithala Community Centre,” Gupta posted on Twitter.
He also informed that 24/7 CATS ambulance and medical teams have been deployed at the spot. The Chief Minister further said, “The work of clearing debris by MCD and verification of affected families by the Revenue Department is going on.”