One person was killed and another sustained injuries after a fire broke out in a hut near north-west Delhi’s Rithala metro station on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, engulfing the area and reducing at least 500 shanties to ashes. The deceased was identified as Munna, 30. The injured, Rajesh, 30, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said.
According to the police, the fire broke out at 10.56 p.m. on Friday and escalated after triggering the explosion of several LPG cylinders. “This caused panic among the residents as they scrambled to salvage their belongings and move to safer places,” said a DFS official, adding that around 500 huts were gutted.
He added, “Ten fire tenders were first sent to the spot, following which 15 more were dispatched.”
A police officer said that a case under BNS Sections 287 (negligent or rash conduct involving combustible materials), 125(A) (endangering life or personal safety of others), and 106 (causing death by negligence) was registered, and further investigation is under way. Forensic and crime teams have also been roped into the investigation, added the officer.
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