What Happened in Rohini? Two Kids Lose Lives in Slum Fire
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Synopsis
A heartbreaking fire incident in Rohini, New Delhi, resulted in the loss of two young lives as flames engulfed a slum cluster. This tragedy emphasizes the pressing need for improved fire safety protocols in densely populated areas. Read on for details about the incident and the ongoing efforts to enhance emergency response in the city.
Key Takeaways
- Two children lost their lives in a devastating fire in Rohini.
- About 150 jhuggis were destroyed, affecting hundreds of families.
- The fire possibly began due to an explosion of cooking gas cylinders.
- The incident highlights the urgent need for improved fire safety measures.
- The Delhi government is allocating funds for better emergency response infrastructure.
New Delhi, April 27 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when two young children were tragically charred to death in a fire that ravaged approximately 150 jhuggis in a slum cluster located in Sector 17 of north Delhi’s Rohini, according to a Fire Department representative.
The inferno is believed to have originated from one of the jhuggis adjacent to Shri Niketan Apartment, leading to the explosion of multiple 5-kg cooking gas cylinders utilized for cooking, the official reported.
“The fire ignited around 11:55 a.m. and in alignment with our standard operating procedures, four to five fire tenders were dispatched. By 12:40 p.m., it was categorized as a medium fire,” explained M.K. Chattopadhyay, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for the West Zone.
A total of 26 fire tenders were deployed to manage the situation.
Initially, firefighters faced challenges accessing the site due to congestion on the roads leading to the slum area.
The cluster comprises approximately 800-1,000 jhuggis, with around 150 severely damaged,” stated a police officer.
An eyewitness reported that a large column of dark smoke could be seen rising from the jhuggi cluster from nearly a kilometer away.
In another incident, a fire broke out in a wooded area under the jurisdiction of Shakarpur police station around 11 a.m.
Three fire engines were sent to the location and successfully contained the blaze within an hour.
Fire Officer Bhim Sain remarked, “We received reports of a fire in the trees along the road to Laxmi Nagar. We promptly dispatched vehicles to manage the situation.”
The Delhi Fire Service confronts a significant number of emergencies each year, with over 36,000 incidents reported annually. It currently operates 67 fire stations and requires an additional 18 to meet the demands of the expanding city.
On Friday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta revealed plans for a budget of Rs 504 crore dedicated to enhancing machinery and infrastructure.
Point of View
It is essential to reflect on the tragic fire incident in Rohini, which resulted in the loss of two innocent lives. This heartbreaking event highlights the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures and infrastructure in vulnerable communities. It is crucial for authorities to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future and to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
NationPress
24/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in Rohini?
The fire is believed to have started in one of the jhuggis near Shri Niketan Apartment, possibly due to a cooking gas cylinder explosion.
How many jhuggis were affected by the fire?
Approximately 150 jhuggis were damaged in the fire.
What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?
The Delhi government plans to invest Rs 504 crore in new fire safety machinery and infrastructure to address growing safety concerns.
How does the Delhi Fire Service respond to emergencies?
The Delhi Fire Service manages over 36,000 incidents annually, utilizing multiple fire stations and tenders to respond effectively.
What challenges did firefighters face during the incident?
Firefighters encountered road congestion, which delayed their response to the fire in the slum cluster.
