One person died and a child was injured after a massive fire broke out in a slum near Rithala Metro station in Delhi on Friday night, officials said.
The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) said firefighting and cooling operations were underway overnight to bring the flames under control.
One body was recovered from the spot while another injured person, a child, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment.
“Firefighters have recovered one body from a fire that broke out in a slum near Rithala metro station. One injured person is being treated at Safdarjung Hospital. More details are awaited,” the Delhi Fire Service said in an official statement.
The incident took place in Basti, Bengal, which is located between Rithala Metro Station and the Delhi Jal Board campus. Fire officials said the fire was “moderate” due to its intensity.
Delhi Fire Service Officer SK Dua told ANI that a total of 29 fire tenders were deployed to control the flames. After several hours of firefighting, the fire was brought under control.
“We received information that a fire broke out in the shanties of Bengali Basti, which is located between Rithala Metro station and Delhi Jal Board office. Fire tenders were dispatched to the spot and the fire was declared moderate due to its intensity,” Dua told ANI.
“A total of 29 firefighting units are on the scene and the fire is now under control. A child was reportedly injured and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. There is no information about other victims,” he added.
Authorities are currently assessing the damage caused by the fire. The cause of the incident is still unknown and further details are awaited.
