Museum fire not totally doused, finds forensic team

A team of the Forensic Scientific Lab officers visited the National Museum of Natural History that was destroyed in a fire in New Delhi and collected samples.

The FSL team, comprising of scientists and a photographer, collected samples inside the museum. “We have collected samples for further analysis. Currently, we are in no position to reveal anything about the cause of fire. However, analysing several aspects and conducting lab tests would make the picture clear,” said a member of the FSL team.

The team visited the spot for more than three hours. They went to every floor of the museum and collected samples. A photographer and a video recorder captured each and every location of the museum from inside and outside.

“The fire has not been completely doused. The fumes and smoke emanating from the remains has caused hindrance in working of the team,” said a member of the FSL team.

On Tuesday, the Delhi police registered a case in connection with the massive fire at the National Museum of Natural History, housing thousands of rare specimens of flora and fauna.

“A case under Section 436 of IPC (mischief caused by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) has been registered against unnamed persons in connection with the incident,” said Jatin Narwal, DCP (New Delhi). The police will also question employees of the musesum.

“We are investigating the case thoroughly to find out the reason that caused a fire to break out at the museum. We are waiting for the clearance from the fire department to declare the building safe for entry. The fire department will only ensure that fire inside the building has been completely doused,” he added.

Nearly four-decade-old National Museum of Natural History, housing rare specimens including a 160-million-year old fossil bone of the Indian sauropod dinosaur, was ravaged in a massive blaze.