A huge fire near Rithala metro station gutted about 400–500 shanties late Friday, killing one person and injuring others. Delhi administration says relief, temporary shelters and medical aid are being provided while police and DFS probe the blaze.
Delhi Fire Near Rithala Metro Station Triggers Panic Among Residents
A massive late-night blaze near Rithala metro station in Rohini gutted roughly 400–500 makeshift houses, killing one man and injuring another, officials said. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received the first call at 10:56 pm and immediately dispatched multiple fire tenders and robotic firefighting units to the scene as thick smoke billowed over the area. Several LPG cylinders exploded, which intensified the blaze and prompted frantic evacuation by residents.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the fire was brought under control by early morning after an intense containment operation. She confirmed that those injured were rushed to hospital and that temporary relief centres — including a permanent relief centre at the Rithala community centre — had been activated to shelter displaced families. Food, drinking water and 24×7 medical teams including ambulance units were deployed at the site while municipal teams started debris-clearance and verification of affected families.
Locals and eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as people scrambled to salvage belongings and guide children and the elderly to safety. Police cordoned off the area while additional fire tenders were kept on standby to prevent further spread. Early assessments by fire officials put the number of gutted huts at approximately 400–500, with households losing most of their possessions. One local resident, identified only by first name in reports, died in the blaze while another sustained burn injuries and is receiving treatment.
