Fire breaks out at Delhi’s New Lajpat Rai market, nearly 80 shops gutted in blaze

A fire broke out at New Lajpat Rai market opposite the Red Fort in Chandni Chowk early on Thursday, Delhi Fire Services officials said. There were no casualties in the incident, they said.

The fire engulfed around 60 “khokas” (kiosks) in the market, police said. A call about the fire at New Lajpat Rai Market was received around 4.43 am and 13 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, Delhi Fire Services Director Atul Garg said.

Also read: January 6 attacks: Pot smoking adventure turns into jail time for two friends

The fire has been doused and the cooling process is underway, he said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Sagar Singh Kalsi said, “The fire was brought under control by 7 am. Prima facie, a short-circuit seems to have caused the fire. Legal action will be initiated as per complaints.” New Lajpat Rai market is famous for clothes and utensils.

Visuals from the spot showed tall flames swallowing shops as firefighters and local residents tried to control the blaze. Later, photographs tweeted by news agency ANI showed charred shops and products burnt to ash.

Also read: Propeller smashes plane window after getting hit by bird in South Africa

There is no information yet on what caused the fire.