A devastating fire erupted near the Rithala Metro Station in Delhi, resulting in the complete destruction of approximately 500 shanties and claiming one life, according to officials from the Delhi Fire Services.
Timeline of the Tragedy
The inferno broke out on Friday evening and continued to rage through the night. Police confirmed that multiple LPG cylinders exploded around late Friday evening, significantly intensifying the blaze and creating widespread panic among the local residents.
Thick, dark smoke engulfed the area as flames consumed the makeshift homes. Terrified locals were seen desperately scrambling to salvage their belongings and evacuate to safer locations as the fire spread rapidly through the densely populated settlement.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
Firefighting teams from Delhi Fire Services worked tirelessly to contain the massive blaze. The explosion of cooking gas cylinders not only worsened the fire but also posed additional risks to both residents and emergency responders.
The fire has left hundreds of families homeless, with over 500 shanties completely gutted in one of the most significant fire incidents to hit Delhi recently. The exact cause of the initial fire is still under investigation, though the role of LPG cylinders in amplifying the disaster has been clearly established.
Aftermath and Community Impact
The tragedy has highlighted the vulnerable living conditions in many of Delhi's informal settlements, where safety measures are often inadequate. The single confirmed fatality marks a sobering reminder of the human cost of such disasters.
Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts for the affected families who have lost their homes and possessions in the devastating blaze.
