By IANS
New Delhi : Three siblings, all under seven, were charred to death and four people were critically injured when a major fire engulfed a slum cluster in the diplomatic district here.
The fire broke out late Sunday in Chanakyapuri area killing Musharraf Hassan, 7, Muzzaffar Hassan, 5, and Kohinoor, 4. The victims were taken to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where they were declared brought dead.
Four people who sustained major burns were identified as Shamsuddin, 40, Muslima, 35, Jarina, 12, and Barina, 3. Their condition is said to be critical.
Police and Delhi Fire Service officials said the slum cluster is located close to the American embassy.
According to a fire official, eight fire tenders battled the flames for an hour. At least 25 shanties, built with highly flammable polyester and wood, were gutted.
"We have registered a case and initial investigations suggest that short circuit could be the cause of the fire," said a police official.