Seven jhuggis gutted in Dera Bassi, no casualties

Our Correspondent

Dera Bassi, March 27

As many as seven jhuggis of migrant labourers were reduced to ashes when a fire broke out here on Friday noon. However, no casualties were reported, said sources.

According to the sources, the exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained. Initial reports suggest that fire broke out probably due to short circuit and burnt hutment made of dry grass and wood. The huts were situated close to each other.

“Most inhabitants originally belong to Uttar Pradesh. They work as daily-wage labourers and residing here for the past several years,” the sources added.

It took more than half-an-hour for a fire team of Nector Life Science, a pharamceutial firm, to douse the flames as families comprising small children and elderly looked on helplessly, the sources said.

As per the information, the incident happened around 3.30 pm. Though no casualties were reported, families lost their entire household material, including electronic gadgets, clothing, utensils and other things, lying in the huts.

Kanhaiya Lal, a labourer, said he was working in a nearby agriculture field along with others when the fire broke out. “Suddenly, I heard everyone screaming and rushing outside. I felt helpless as I saw everything being gutted in a fraction of second,” he added.

No case was registered till the filing of this report.