Delhi: Massive fire destroys National Museum of Natural History, six fire officers injured

A massive fire destroyed the National Museum of Natural History in FICCI building in central Delhi in the wee hours on Tuesday, with many exhibits like herpetological specimens and taxidermied animals gutted.

Six fire officials were rushed to hospital after they inhaled excessive smoke during the four-hour operation to control the blaze that broke out at 1:45 AM.

Their condition is said to be stable now, officials said.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who visited the spot, described the fire mishap as "unfortunate" and ordered a safety audit of all museums under his ministry.

"This is unfortunate...Museum of Natural History is a national heritage. Thousands of exhibits were there and thousands of people visit the museum everyday," he said, adding that officials were ascertaining the extent of the damage and ways to restore it.

As many as 35 fire tenders were pressed into service. "Building's fire safety mechanisms were not working, still we controlled it within 2 hours," said Fire officer Rajesh Panwar.

The fire was reported on the top floor auditorium of the FICCI building in Mandi House which was being renovated, and later spread to other floors, the fire official said.

There were not too many people on the building, which was evacuated by the time fire officials reached there.

(With PTI inputs)