Delhi Fire Destroys 80 Shanties, Hundreds Evacuated
Massive fire in Delhi shanties leaves hundreds homeless, rescue ongoing.
Hundreds of people were left homeless after a massive fire tore through a cluster of shanties in southwest Delhi’s Matiala area near Uttam Nagar, destroying dozens of makeshift homes late at night. The blaze quickly spread through the densely packed settlement, reducing large sections of the slum to ashes and leaving families scrambling to salvage whatever belongings they could.
According to police and fire officials, the fire broke out in the jhuggi cluster near a fish market in the Mansaram Park area. Authorities received a call about the blaze shortly before midnight, prompting an immediate response from the Delhi Fire Service. Firefighters rushed multiple tenders to the site and began an extensive operation to bring the flames under control as the fire spread across a wide area.
Officials said at least 80 shanties were gutted in the blaze, which affected nearly four acres of the settlement. Most of the affected homes belonged to migrant families and daily-wage labourers who live in temporary structures made of tin sheets, wood, and plastic materials that can easily catch fire. The rapid spread of flames left many residents with little time to save their possessions, including household items, documents, and children’s school materials.
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Police teams and emergency responders helped evacuate residents as the fire intensified. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported, as people were moved out of the area in time. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh said officers and rescue personnel worked alongside firefighters to ensure that all inhabitants were safely evacuated from the burning cluster.
Dozens of fire engines were deployed during the operation, and firefighting efforts continued for several hours before the flames were fully contained. Thick smoke and burning debris were visible across the area as firefighters battled the blaze, while local residents gathered nearby to watch the rescue operations and assess the damage once the fire subsided.
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine how it started. Meanwhile, the affected families now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives after losing their homes and belongings. Officials said relief and assistance efforts may be arranged for those displaced, as hundreds remain without shelter following the devastating incident.
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