Massive fire in Delhi's Rithala slum; Over 100 huts gutted, 17-year-old girl dies of burns

NEW DELHI: A 17-year-old girl was killed in a fire that broke out early this morning in the Rithala area of Delhi. Nearly 100 huts were destroyed in the blaze. The fire department received information about the fire at around 4:15 a.m. The girl was initially reported missing. After the fire was brought under control, a search was carried out, and her body was found with severe burn injuries.

The huts in the settlement were built very close to each other, which caused the fire to spread rapidly. Migrant workers from Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh were living in the area. They worked in nearby factories, construction sites and small shops. 18 fire engines from the Delhi Fire Service reached the spot and managed to bring the fire under control by around 6:30 a.m. Police also joined the rescue operations along with the fire department.

The fire spread not only through the huts but also to a nearby warehouse storing paper rolls and cardboard. Fire officials said that the flames later reached the doors and windows of some nearby flats. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified. Police said a detailed investigation is currently underway.