Massive fire near Rithala Metro Station in Delhi destroys 400-500 huts, killing 1 and injuring a child. Fire fueled by exploding LPG cylinders; cause under investigation.
A devastating fire broke out late Friday night in the Bengali Basti near Rithala Metro Station in Delhi’s Rohini area, destroying 400-500 makeshift huts and claiming the life of one person. A child was also injured and has been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment, officials said. The blaze caused widespread panic as several LPG cylinders exploded, intensifying the fire.
Fire Response and Containment
The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received the first distress call around 10:56 PM and initially dispatched 15 fire tenders. As the fire escalated, a total of 29 fire tenders were deployed to bring the blaze under control. After several hours of continuous effort, firefighters finally managed to contain the fire.
Senior DFS officer SK Dua classified the incident as a medium-category fire, highlighting the intensity of the flames. “The fire has been controlled, and our teams are ensuring the safety of displaced residents. Thankfully, no further casualties have been reported so far,” Dua said.
Chaos and Exploding LPG Cylinders
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the fire spread rapidly through the densely populated slum, which comprises huts made of wood, plastic sheets, and tarpaulin—all highly flammable materials. Multiple LPG cylinders stored in the huts reportedly exploded, adding to the panic and forcing residents to flee quickly. Thick black smoke filled the sky, while people tried desperately to save their belongings.
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Police and Authorities Respond
Police teams cordoned off the affected area to maintain order while firefighting operations continued. Additional fire tenders were kept on standby to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures. DFS officials coordinated closely with the police to evacuate residents and assist displaced families.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear. Officials suspect either an LPG leak or an electrical short circuit could have triggered the blaze. Authorities have started assessing the damage and are expected to launch a detailed investigation once the site is fully cooled.
Vulnerable Communities at Risk
The incident highlights the vulnerability of informal settlements in Delhi, where overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and the use of flammable construction materials make residents highly susceptible to such disasters. Relief measures are being arranged for the families who lost their homes and possessions in the fire.
Authorities are urging people to avoid storing LPG cylinders unsafely and to take precautions, especially in densely populated areas, to prevent future tragedies.
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