Over 500 Delhi shanties gutted in fire

New Delhi: Over 500 shanties were gutted on Wednesday in a major fire that broke out in a Delhi slum, a fire officer said. No casualties were reported from the incident.

Twelve fire tenders were rushed to the spot as the police control room received a call about the fire breaking out in Bawana area of north Delhi at around 2 p.m, the fire officer said.

"The fire, which spread over an acre, was brought under control at 4.50 p.m," he added.

"No casualties have been reported in the fire, though two fire fighters received injuries as enraged public indulged in stone pelting," Chief Fire Officer Vipin Kental told IANS.

The Delhi government has announced Rs 25,000 compensation for each shanty destroyed in the fire.

"Fire that broke out in Bawana's 'jhuggis' (shanties) is now under control. Arrangements of food and tents are being made. Rs 25,000 compensation for each jhuggi has been announced," Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said.