More than 50 houses were gutted after a massive fire broke out at a slum near Batla House in South East Delhi’s Jamia Nagar on Tuesday morning. No human casualties were reported but a few goats died in the incident, said Romil Banya, DCP, South East Delhi.

The incident happened around 11 a.m. when a spark from a pole caught fire in a house built of plastic. Immediately, five fire tenders and a rescue team were deployed at the spot, said the DCP.

Annu, 45, a housemaid and mother of four daughters and a son, witnessed the whole incident. She said, “There was a spark in the pole next to my house. And in a second the plastic of my house started burning. By the time I could call for help all the items in my house were burned. We also threw water on the fire to douse it but it did not help. It spread to more houses.”

The fire created a lot of chaos in the area due to which a few people suffered minor injuries. Mohammed Khalid, 47, slipped along with his two kids whom he picked up to flee to safety. “I immediately picked up my two sons and ran towards the fixed lane. But everyone was heading the same way and I was pushed and fell on the ground with the kids. Thankfully, my family is safe.”

More than ten goats were burnt alive. It took three hours to douse the fire, said a Fire Department officer.

Amanathullah Khan, MLA from the Okhla constituency, visited the spot and enquired about the condition of the people. “We have noted down the names of all the families living in the slum. Temporary tents will be created for them till the reconstruction of this slum. We are trying to provide all the basic necessities like food and shelter to the families who have been victims of this incident,” he told The Statesman.

A few boys who have been living in the slum since they were born expressed their anger at political parties. “We approached them with the list of basic things everyone needs. But officials threatened us and told us they will go by their list.”

A 15-year old boy said, “They always make money from such incidents. We never get our due. Despite slogans to help the poor no politician will come and talk to us.”

No foul play is suspected in the fire. There will be no investigation in the case until a complaint is filed by someone, said a senior officer.