Fire guts over 600 huts at Jafferkhanpet
Sunday evening turned into a disaster for residents of a slum in Jafferkhanpet, opposite Udhayam Theatre. A fire ravaged the hutment, which according to officials, had around 600 houses. As of 10pm, even more than 10 tenders and several truckloads of metro water could not douse the fire.
People from several residential apartments abutting the colony had been evicted by fire and police personnel. The police, however, could not assess the injuries and casualties, though a 26 year old male with severe injuries was seen being shifted to the Kilpauk Medical College. He was unconscious.
Another person too was rushed in an ambulance. Firemen were seen rescuing and escorting a large number of people out of the fire ravaged hutments. A resident said she did not know what happened or how the fire started.
By the time her family realised what was happening, there was only time to take their children and run for life. "We have almost put out the fire and are bringing the situation under control. Some 600 plus huts have been gutted," Divisional Fire Officer Meenakshi Vijayakumar said.