New Delhi

A massive fire erupted in the slum clusters near Rithala Metro Station in northwest Delhi's Rohini area on Thursday morning, gutting more than 50 shanties and displacing dozens of residents. The blaze, reported at around 4:15 AM, prompted a rapid response from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), with 15 fire tenders rushing to the scene to contain the flames.

Officials confirmed that the fire was brought under control after some time of intense firefighting efforts. However, there are no immediate reports of casualties or injuries.

The incident occurred in the densely populated jhuggi (slum) area, often called Bengali Basti, located between the metro station and Delhi Jal Board premises.

DFS officials stated that the cause of the fire is under investigation.

This marks the second major fire in Rithala slums within four months, highlighting persistent safety hazards in Delhi's informal settlements.

In November last year, one person died after a massive fire broke out in the same vicinity.

According to the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), firefighting and cooling operations were carried out to control the blaze. One body was recovered from the site, while another injured person, a child, was rushed to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment.

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Delhi Fire Service officer SK Dua told ANI that a total of 29 fire tenders were pressed into service to control the flames. After hours of dousing operation, the blaze was brought under control.

Fire tenders were sent to the spot, and the fire was declared to be of Medium category considering its intensity," Dua told ANI.