New Delhi: A massive fire has been raging in south Delhi since May 29 evening, and the Air Force has joined efforts to put it out.
On May 30 morning, an Mi-17 helicopter was seen making sorties to pour water to contain what has been classified as the “highest category” blaze in the national capital in recent times.
The fire started around 5 pm in the warehouse at Khirki Extension, a crowded residential part of Malviya Nagar. As many as 80 fire engines were sent and firemen were at work all night to stop the blaze from spreading to neighboring buildings, including a school. Thick black smoke rising from the fire was visible from much of south Delhi.
The police believe a truck loaded with rubber material parked near the warehouse caught fire, which soon spread to neighborhood aided by strong winds last night. Plastic and raw material stored in the factory fueled the fire, said an official.
Thirteen buildings in the vicinity, including a school and a gym, have been evacuated for safety. It was tough for fire engines to access the narrow and congested lanes, officials said. One fire-fighter has been injured.
No one else has been reported injured but hospitals are on alert.
Alleging that many illegal warehouses and factories operate in residential areas, legislator Saurabh Bhardwaj warned many such disasters would occur if the authorities continue to overlook such illegal establishments. He also bemoaned that south Delhi municipal officials had refused to take action on a complaint from the local councilor.
Earlier this year, 17 people including 10 women were killed in a massive fire that broke out at a firecracker warehouse in north Delhi’s Bawana industrial area.