A resident stands in front of the charred remains of her damaged home after a fire broke out in a makeshift settlement in New Delhi on April 25, 2014.
A massive fire broke out at a slum cluster in South Delhi's Massodpur area, near Vasant Kunj, gutting over 500 jhuggis (huts). The actual cause of the fire was not known and most of the locals said that they were out of their homes when the fire was first reported at around 8.30am. (
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However reports also suggested there could have been a few cylinder explosions as well that helped the fire spread. The authorities said that 35 fire tenders were pushed into service while 15 ambulances were also rushed to the spot.
Eight people with minor injuries were admitted to nearby hospitals and no casualties were reported. Medical camps by the MCD and Fortis were also set up at the site. 10 water tankers and food packets were also distributed.
"Fire was reported at 8.30 AM and fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot. Plastic and wood kept in an open yard in the area also fuelled the fire," said AK Sharma, Director of Delhi Fire Service.
"Heavy smoke filled the area as the blaze spread and small cylinders kept in the jhuggis exploded," he added.
Speaking to the media, the LG Najeeb Jung said that Rs 5,000 compensation would be given to those whose homes have been gutted and Rs 50,000 to those who had suffered serious injuries. The authorities also said night shelters were being put in place.