Chandni Chowk blaze: Cooling operation still continues

New Delhi, Jun 15 (PTI) The cooling operation still continues even after the fire was controlled at the Chandni Chowk market on Friday morning, officials said on Saturday.

The fire broke out at Chandni Chowk’s Old Katra Marwadi Market at Nai Sadak at 5 pm on Thursday. No loss of life took place but over 110 shops and godowns were gutted, leading to loss estimated in crores of rupees.

At least three fire tenders are still conducting the cooling operation in the affected portions, said an official of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS).

“The flames still come out in some of the portion. The operation may continue for a few more hours,” the official added.

Over 50 fire tenders and 200 fire fighting were tasked to control the blaze. They worked the entire Thursday night and brought the fire under control at 4.30 am on Friday.

The official said the cooling operation was carried out the entire day on Friday.

A police officer said once the cooling operation stopped, the removal of the rubble of the damaged shops will be started.

He said the garment shops and godowns of Bhagwati and Anil market complexes are completely gutted.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) MK Meena said the fire has now almost died out but around 110-120 shops have been completely or partially affected.

A case under sections 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) has been registered at the Kotwali police station and the matter is being investigated, Meena said.

He said one fireman had suffered superficial burns during the ongoing fire fighting operation.