Delhi's Chandni Chowk Engulfed by Major Fire; 40 Tenders at Scene, No Injuries

A significant blaze erupted in the Chandni Chowk locality of north Delhi on Thursday, causing extensive damage to numerous shops and resulting in the loss of goods and property valued at crores of rupees, according to officials. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a distress call about the fire at 5 pm, originating from Marwadi Katra, Nai Sadak within the bustling Chandni Chowk area.

DFS Chief Atul Garg reported that initially, 14 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, with an additional 26 vehicles later joining the effort. "Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to extinguish the fire. Given the scale of the fire, it is expected that the operation will require more time to completely douse the flames," Garg stated. He also mentioned his personal visit to the site to oversee the firefighting operations.

In an effort to combat the inferno, more than 10 fire vehicles equipped with water bowsers have been deployed. Garg highlighted that the main building where the fire started has already collapsed, and all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent further damage. The area is known for its dense concentration of garment shops, including sarees and other materials that are highly flammable.

The narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk have posed a significant challenge for the fire tenders attempting to reach the heart of the blaze, necessitating an extension of fire hoses up to 200 to 300 metres. "Hydraulic machines are also being utilized to fight the fire from all possible angles," Garg added. The total value of property and goods lost is yet to be determined as firefighting operations continue.

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi has expressed her concern over the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating her ongoing communication with district administration officials for updates. "It is by God's grace that no lives have been lost. Our fire brigade is working hard to control the situation," Atishi remarked. She also urged citizens to take preventive measures against short-circuits during this period of extreme heat.

A spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) noted that the fire originated from Marwadi Katra market and spread to Anil Market, with a building collapsing due to the intensity of the fire and water pressure used in firefighting efforts.

This incident has brought to light the challenges faced by emergency services in densely populated commercial areas like Chandni Chowk, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures and preparedness in preventing and managing such disasters.