A child was injured in a massive fire that broke out in a slum area near Rithala Metro Station in New Delhi late on Friday night.
According to fire officer SK Dua, the blaze was declared a Medium category fire due to its intensity. A total of 29 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and after several hours of firefighting, the fire was brought under control.
“We received information that a fire broke out in the huts of Bengali Basti, located between Rithala Metro Station and the Delhi Jal Board. Fire tenders were sent to the spot, and the fire was declared of Medium category considering its intensity,” Dua told the news agency ANI.
“A total of 29 fire tenders are on the spot, and the fire is now under control. A child was reportedly injured and has been taken to the hospital by ambulance. There is no information about any further casualties,” he added.
The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said it received a call about the blaze around 10:56 pm, following which 15 fire tenders were initially dispatched to the site. Preliminary reports suggested that several huts were gutted in the incident.
Police sources said multiple LPG cylinders exploded during the fire, intensifying the blaze and triggering panic among residents. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the area as locals tried to save their belongings and move to safety.
Police have cordoned off the area, while additional fire tenders have been kept on standby to prevent the flames from spreading further. “Our teams are working to douse the flames. We have asked the police to keep onlookers away,” a DFS official said.
– Ends
With inputs from agencies.
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