A huge blaze erupted in the Chandini Chowk area, resulting in the complete or partial gutting of over 110 shops and causing injury to a fireman, according to the police on Friday.
The fire, which started on Thursday evening, ravaged the Old Katra Marwadi Market, resulting in the destruction of goods and property worth crores of rupees.
Additionally, two buildings collapsed due to the fire and water pressure.
An FIR has been filed at Kotwali police station under sections 285 and 337 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the incident is currently under investigation, as per the police.
"On Thursday, around 5 pm, a PCR call was received in Katra Marwari, Nai Sarak, Chandani Chowk. Immediately, police and fire teams responded. The adjoining shops were evacuated, and necessary assistance was provided to the fire department to douse the fire," Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Manoj Kumar Meena said.
The officer said the fire spread to the shops in the Katra area.
"The fire has almost died out, and around 110-120 shops have completely or partially been affected," DCP Meena said.
"The firefighting operation is still going on. And we have registered an FIR at Kotwali police station, and an investigation has been commenced into the matter. One fireman has suffered superficial burns during the ongoing firefighting operation," he added.
The police stated that the cause of the fire has not been determined yet.
The area has been cordoned off, and the local residents have been advised to avoid it, they mentioned.
Earlier, fire department officials reported that two buildings collapsed during the firefighting operations, and more than 100 shops selling saris, scarves, and other flammable materials were completely destroyed. However, there have been no reports of any loss of life so far.
Officials from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) stated that over 50 fire trucks and 200 personnel worked throughout the night to bring the fire under control.
Follow us
