New Delhi: A massive fire broke out in a slum cluster in south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area on Friday morning, gutting 500 jhuggis.

No causalities have been reported so far. However, eight persons were injured.

Fire department officials said that around 27 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames.

“Fire was reported at 8.30 am and fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot. Plastic and wood kept in an open yard in the area also fuelled the fire,” said A.K. Sharma, Director of Delhi Fire Service.

Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung visited the fire affected area at Masoodpur and inspected the relief and rescue operations at the site. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to set up medical camps and provide immediate medical attention to those affected and ensure that adequate medical supply and staff is available round the clock.

Mr. Jung also directed the officials to immediately arrange for adequate drinking water and food packets for those affected.

He instructed the officials to draw in more staff to provide succour to those affected, especially women and children.

The Deputy Commissioner assured the LG that water tankers from Jal Board and food packets were being arranged and they would be setting up temporary night shelters to accommodate those affected.

Mr. Jung directed that ex-gratia payment be made to those affected and they be rehabilitated at the earliest.

The area Deputy Commissioner informed that 35 fire tenders along with 15 ambulances rushed to the spot immediately and no casualties were reported thus far, while 8 injured had been admitted to various hospitals.

By afternoon 10 water tankers, a MCD health team, as well as a team of doctors from Fortis were at the site.

SDMs and police officials from neighbouring districts and IAS probationers have also been pressed into service to aid the relief process.