New Delhi: Panic gripped east Delhi ’s Vasundhara Enclave Sunday after a massive fire broke out at a godown near Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, sending a plume of thick black smoke that was visible from over 10 kilometres away and forcing residents of many nearby houses to evacuate.
More than 25 fire tenders and 80 to 100 personnel were scrambled to the godown that stood on an 800-square-yard plot and was rented out to three people. Md Sahil (20), who was loading scrap into a truck, said the workers used water and a fire extinguisher before abandoning the effort. Rakesh Kashyap (38) said several people managed to retrieve some plywood and other material, though most of the goods stored inside were believed to have been destroyed. Mohit, who lives next to the site, said a fire had broken out at the same spot in 2016.
The hospital premises and its operations were unaffected, and all the patients were safe, a statement released by the hospital said, adding, “There is no requirement to shift or evacuate any patient. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi Stay updated with the latest Delhi news.
The area was cordoned off and the fire brought under control after seven hours, police said. The godown was structurally weak and collapsed from the middle, a fire services officer said, adding, “We can only reach the blaze from the front. However, cops said they were not aware of any such incident. Ramvir Singh, who lives next to the godown, said smoke filled several houses as flames rose above the godown.
However, it was yet to be completely extinguished till late at night. A firefighter, Sunil Sagar, was taken to another hospital and is being treated for smoke inhalation. So, we have to clear the fallen debris to extinguish the flames. Workers at the godown initially tried to control the fire but were forced to retreat as it intensified. Locals tried removing whatever they could from the godown. The fire also sparked concerns among the locals about the presence of godowns and scrap businesses in the densely populated area. Download the TOI App.