New Delhi: Seven people were killed after a fire broke out in shanties in northeast Delhi’s Gokulpuri area in the early hours of Saturday, officials said.
A senior official of the Delhi Fire Services said information regarding the blaze near pillar number 12 of Gokulpuri village was received at 1.03 am.
Thirteen fire-tenders were rushed to the spot, he said, adding that the blaze was finally brought under control around 4 am.
Seven charred bodies were recovered from the site, the official said.
Around 60 shanties were affected and 30 of those gutted in the fire, he added.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Devesh Kumar Mahla said information about the blaze was received around 1 am, following which police and fire officials rushed to the spot.
The reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, police said, adding that teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) at Rohini also visited the spot.
Some people received minor injuries in the incident, police said.
Appropriate legal action will be taken in the matter, they added.
Kejriwal announces Rs 10 lakh compensation for kin of adult deceased, Rs 5L for minors
After seven people were killed in a slum fire in northeast Delhi’s Gokulpuri area on Saturday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of adult deceased persons, Rs 5 lakh in case of minor deceased and Rs 25,000 to those whose shanties were gutted.
The announcement came during the chief minister’s visit to the spot.
Many people were injured in the fire that broke out in the early hours of Saturday.
Kejriwal took stock of the situation and interacted with the affected people, before announcing the compensation.
“When I woke up this morning, I came to know that a fire here killed seven people and many shanties were burnt. I am deeply saddened with this incident. I pray to God that the deceased rest in peace.
“From the government, Rs 10 lakh will be given to families of adult deceased persons, Rs 5 lakh for deceased children and Rs 25,000 to those whose shanties were gutted in the fire,” Kejriwal said.
He said he had issued orders for swift release of the compensation.
“I will try to release this (compensation) very soon, in one-two days, so that you get the money soon,” Kejriwal said.
During the chief minister’s visit, crowds raised the slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and also those in favour of the Delhi government.
