New Delhi, June 23: A massive fire broke out in a labour settlement near Udyog Bhawan in central Delhi during the early hours of Tuesday, destroying around 200 temporary tin-sheet labour huts and triggering a major firefighting operation.
According to officials, the blaze was reported at around 3 a.m. and quickly spread through the densely packed settlement, engulfing a large number of temporary structures used by migrant workers.
The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) rushed 20 fire tenders to the spot to contain the flames. Firefighters launched an extensive operation and managed to surround the fire from all sides by 5:10 a.m. The blaze was completely brought under control by 6:05 a.m., officials said.
During the firefighting operation, a firefighter sustained a minor eye injury and was shifted to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities said no deaths or injuries among the labourers have been reported, providing major relief amid the large-scale destruction caused by the fire.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and officials are expected to conduct a detailed investigation to ascertain how the blaze started.
The incident resulted in extensive damage to the temporary shelters and personal belongings of the workers residing in the settlement.
Police and fire department officials are assessing the losses, while local authorities are expected to initiate relief measures for the affected families.
Further investigation is underway.
