A massive fire broke out in the Kanmani village area in Ghaziabad at around 12 noon on Thursday, engulfing a large cluster of slum huts and triggering panic among residents. According to initial reports, flames rising high into the sky were visible from nearly 10 kilometres away, causing alarm in surrounding neighbourhoods. Residents rushed out of their homes as thick smoke spread rapidly across the area.
Local residents immediately alerted the fire department, following which multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot. As the scale of the blaze became clear, additional fire brigade vehicles were called in from Noida to support the operation.
Eyewitnesses said the fire spread within minutes, as many of the huts contained plastic sheets, wood, and other highly flammable materials. Several LPG cylinders reportedly exploded during the incident, worsening the flames and making firefighting efforts more challenging.
While early estimates suggested around 500 huts were affected, local residents later said nearly 150 to 200 huts were completely gutted. Around 200 to 250 people are believed to have been impacted, with many families losing all household belongings.
Heavy smoke caused breathing difficulties for residents living close to the site, prompting many to step outside as a precaution. Ambulances were deployed and nearby hospitals were placed on alert.
No casualties have been reported so far. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Fire department teams, police personnel and local administrative officials remain at the site.
More details are awaited.
