New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday visited the spot in Gokulpuri area where a fire broke out in the shanties last night, claiming seven lives.
Expressing his grief over the incident, Kejriwal announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
“I am saddened by the fire incident in which seven people died. The poor make their shelter after a lot of hard work,” said Kejriwal, ANI reported.
“The government will give Rs 10 lakh each to deceased adults’ families, Rs 5 lakh to deceased children’s families and Rs 25,000 to those whose shanties were burnt,” he added.
The Delhi Chief Minister had earlier said that he would visit the spot and talk to the affected people.
“Heard the sad news early in the morning. I will go to the spot and meet the affected people personally,” Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.
Some people also received minor injuries in the incident, which took place at around 1 a.m.
“At 1 a.m. there was a fire incident in Gokulpuri PS area. Immediately teams reached the spot with all rescue equipment. We also contacted the Fire Department that responded very well,” said North East Delhi Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla, reported ANI.
“We could douse the fire by around 4 a.m.,” he added.
Delhi Fire Director Atul Garg said the deceased could not escape the fire that spread rapidly because they were sleeping.
“The charred bodies are unrecognisable. It seemed that these people were sleeping and could not escape as the fire spread extremely fast,” said Garg, ANI reported.
“Also, 60 huts were completely burnt. We are yet to know the reasons behind the fire,” he added.
The cause of the fire is yet to be known.
Further inquiry into the matter is on.