New Delhi: The massive fire that broke out in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Tuesday evening has been brought under control on Wednesday morning with the help of an Mi-17 helicopter of the Air Force which made several sorties to pour water to contain what has been classified as the “highest category” blaze in the national capital in the recent times.
#WATCH Delhi: Fire which broke out at a godown in Malviya Nagar yesterday has still not been doused, Air Force's MI 17 helicopter deployed for Bambi bucket operations pic.twitter.com/s8m1dXPjim
— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018
The blaze sparked at around 5 pm on Tuesday in the warehouse at Khirki Extension, a crowded residential area of Malviya Nagar. As many as 80 fire engines were rushed to the spot and firemen were on their toes all through the night to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings, including a school.
Thick black smoke rising from the fire was visible from much of south Delhi.
Read: Fire erupts at godown in Delhi's Malviya Nagar, 30 fire engine sent
The police believe a truck loaded with rubber material parked near the godown caught fire, which spread in no time because of strong winds last night. Plastic and raw material stored in the factory fuelled the fire, said an official.
Photo: ANI | Twitter
Thirteen buildings in the vicinity, including the school and a gym, have been evacuated for safety. It was tough for fire engines to access the narrow and congested lanes, officials said. One fire-fighter has been injured. No one else has been reported injured but hospitals are on alert.
AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged there were many illegal warehouses and factories operating in residential areas and if these were overlooked, many disasters are waiting to happen. He also said the local AAP councillor had complained to south Delhi municipal officials, but no action was taken.
