A devastating fire engulfed a densely populated slum in Delhi's Bawana area in the wee hours of Tuesday, leaving at least 150 nearby shanties reduced to ashes. The blaze which raged for nearly six hours has displaced hundreds of residents and has caused significant property damage as reported by local media.

The fire broke out around 1.30am local time on Tuesday, rapidly spreading through the tightly packed shanties. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, and as many as 20 fire tenders were deployed to combat the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire continued to intensify and burned through the night. It was somewhat brought under control at around 8am local time, after almost six hours of firefighting efforts.

While the exact cause of the fire is still unknown, initial reports suggest that a short circuit in the nearby plastics factory may have ignited the blaze. The fire was fuelled by the presence of flammable plastic granules and chemicals used to make chairs in the factory according to local media reports. The local police have launched a probe into investigating the cause of the fire.

The fire has left many residents homeless. Local authorities are working to provide immediate relief and assistance to the affected families.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in densely populated slum areas. Regular fire safety inspections, installation of fire hydrants, and awareness campaigns can help prevent such disasters. Additionally, disaster preparedness plans should be in place to effectively respond to emergencies and minimize the impact on affected communities.