At least 80 shops of the popular Chandni Chowk in Delhi were gutted after a massive fire broke out. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.
A fire department official informed that they received a call about a fire at the Lajpat Rai market around 4:35 am. Ten fire tenders were rushed to the spot initially, followed by six more. They were assisted by a team of senior police personnel and the Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) ambulance. The officials had a tough time reaching the site due to the narrow lanes.
"Luckily, no one was injured in the incident. The fire was brought under control by 8 am," the fire official said.
The fire might have been spurred by a short circuit, the official said. The damage to property is being ascertained, he added.
The total loss due to the fire can go in crores, the Delhi Police said. The statements of shopowners are being recorded, he added.