Chandni Chowk fire: Over 50 shops gutted, cooling operation under way
The Hindu
Over 50 shops gutted in massive fire in Chandni Chowk, Delhi; firefighters work overnight to control blaze.
Firefighters toiled overnight in stifling heat to bring under control a massive fire that gutted more than 50 shops in tightly-packed buildings in north Delhi's Chandni Chowk area.
Flames were still simmering under some collapsed portions of buildings and a cooling operation is underway, officials said on Friday.
The fire broke out in Chandni Chowk's Old Katra Marwadi Market around 5 p.m. on Thursday. There were no casualties.
Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief Atul Garg said the fire was brought under control at 4.30 a.m.
"Eight fire tenders have been deployed for the cooling operation. Over 50 fire tenders and 200 personnel worked through the night to control the blaze," he said.
More than 50 small and big shops were gutted in the fire, he added.
Two buildings housing multiple shops, including the one where the fire started, collapsed due to the blaze. Small fires are still simmering in combustible items under the debris, Garg said.