Shops, shanties gutted in fire in East Delhi

Several furniture shops, shanties and a car were gutted in a major fire which broke out in East Delhi's Trilokpuri area, police said today.

Although no casualty was reported in the incident, hundreds of people were rendered homeless while furniture worth several lakh rupees was burnt in fire late last night. According to a fire brigade official, they received a call at about 12.49 AM, following which 16 fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

It took them about two hours to extinguish the fire. The fire could be brought under control by 2.45 am. "The fire started in a furniture showroom and soon spread to adjoining shops and shanties. A Honda City car was also gutted in the blaze. The reason of fire is yet to be ascertained," the official said.

Residents of the shanties somehow saved their lives by running out in time. Delhi government officials ensured that temporary tents were erected to house the affected people and food was provided to them.