The Hindu : Front Page : More huts gutted in north Chennai fire

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More huts gutted in north Chennai fire

Special Correspondent

— Photo: V. Ganesan

SUMMER PERIL: Gutted houses at Maduma Nagar in north Chennai on Saturday.

CHENNAI: In the second such incident in the city in a week, a fire that broke out in a disadvantaged locality in Sembium early on Saturday left a physically challenged man dead. At least six huts were destroyed. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.

According to police sources, the fire broke out around 12.50 a.m. in a hut in Maduma Nagar. Fanned by winds, it spread quickly to other huts. Fire service personnel reached the spot within minutes, but six huts were gutted, leaving 15 families homeless.

Viswanathan (54), physically challenged, was trapped and died of burns on the spot. David (24) suffered minor burns and was admitted to the Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital. “A gas cylinder blast added to the flames. Residents forgot to rescue Viswanathan, who was sleeping. By the time they moved, it was too late… More than one family lived in each hut,” Joint Commissioner of Police (North) S.N. Seshasai said.

Director-General of Police and Director, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, R. Natraj said special teams were patrolling areas prone to fire accidents. “There are 945 slum areas and 41 fishermen settlements in and around Chennai. We have identified Vyasarpadi, Korukkupet, Pulianthope and Ayothikuppam as areas prone to fire accidents. A campaign to create awareness on fire safety is on,” he said.

The Fire Control Room receives an average of 80 calls a month. The number crosses 100 in July because of heavy winds. “When fire occurs in slum settlements on the banks of the Cooum, it becomes difficult for fire tenders to reach the spot because the lanes are narrow or congested. We’ve to use hoses and wait for the pressure to build up before commencing the rescue operation,” Mr. Natraj said.

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