By IANS
New Delhi : At least six people, including a woman and a child, were killed while 10 suffered critical burn injuries after a major fire broke out in old Delhi early Sunday, fire officials said.
The tragedy occurred at round 2.30 a.m. when the fire broke out from the slum close to Sadar Bazar railway track in Lahori Gate area.
Soon fire gutted at least 300 hutments killing six people and injuring 10, while many people are still feared to be trapped inside.
According to fire officials, 30 fire engines were rushed to the spot and the blaze could be doused only after two hours. Rescue operation is still under way.
The injured were admitted to the Lok Nayak Jayprakash Hospital (L.N.J.P. Hospital) where their condition are stated to be critical.
Locals are blaming a police official and some political leaders for the fire.
“Last night (Saturday) a police man had threatened us. He asked us to vacate the place forever or else our hutments would be set on fire,” a woman who lost her child told reporters.
Police said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained yet but investigation is underway.
“We are probing the matter from all angles,” said a Delhi police spokesman.