New Delhi:
Fifteen people were killed and 31 others were injured after a fire broke out at a community hall in Nand Nagri in north-east Delhi on Sunday evening.
The injured were rushed to local government hospitals in the area. Some of them were stated to be in critical condition.
A
kinnar mahasabha was being held at the community hall, for which many people had gathered at 7 pm on Sunday. There were makeshift tents located next to the community hall, where people were staying. This is where the tragedy occured.
Officials say the fire was caused a by a short circuit in one of the makeshift tents. Cooking gas cylinders in the tent exploded on contact with the fire.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjay Jain: "This was a private gathering, not a public function, hence no NOC was asked for or given.''
Twelve fire tenders were immediately pressed into service and brought the fire under control.
Delhi's Health Minister AK Walia visited the area and has promised compensation to those affected by the tragedy.