150 shanties gutted in fire, two burnt to death

Calcutta News.Net
Monday 22nd June, 2009

Two people, including a three-year-old girl, were burnt to death in a fire that gutted at least 150 shanties in east Delhi Monday, an official said.

The victims were identified as Muskan and 45-year-old labourer Shehzad. The fire broke out in the slums of Vishwas Nagar, behind the Karkardoma courts complex around 2.30 p.m. Monday, police said.

According to the officials, a couple of gas cylinders kept in the shanties also went off, which further resulted in spreading the flames. At least 18 fire fighting engines were pressed into the service and fire could only be controlled around 6 p.m. Over 150 shanties, however were gutted in the fire.

'The cause of fire is being ascertained,' said a police officer.

Have your say on this story