Massive fire near Rithala Metro Station claims one life, injures another; 500 huts destroyed

A man lost his life while another sustained burn injuries after a massive fire broke out near Rithala Metro Station in Delhi’s Rohini area, engulfing around 500 shanties, officials from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said on Saturday.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the blaze, which erupted late Friday evening, was brought fully under control following the deployment of adequate firefighting teams. Relief measures have been initiated for those affected, she added.

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In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that the injured had been rushed to the hospital, and relief and rehabilitation efforts were underway. “We have arranged food, water, and temporary shelters for all those affected,” she wrote.

According to the Delhi Police, several LPG cylinders are believed to have exploded, intensifying the blaze and causing panic in the locality.

Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the area as residents attempted to salvage their belongings and move to safer places. Preliminary reports suggest that 400 to 500 huts were completely gutted in the fire, a DFS official confirmed.

“A call reporting the blaze was received at 10:56 pm, following which multiple fire tenders and firefighters were rushed to the spot,” the official added.

The police cordoned off the area, and additional fire tenders were kept on standby to prevent the flames from spreading further.

The fire was brought under control by early Saturday morning, DFS officials said. One person, identified as Munna, died in the incident, while another, Rajesh, suffered burn injuries.

Chief Minister Gupta said the Delhi government is extending every possible support to the affected families.

“Arrangements for food and drinking water have been made for the displaced residents. Temporary shelters are being set up, and the permanent relief centre at the Rithala Community Centre is operational,” CM Gupta stated.

“24×7 CAT ambulances and medical teams have been deployed. Debris removal by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and verification of affected families by the Revenue Department are underway,” she added.