Darkness in North block after fire, no casualties

Two separate cases of fire incidents were reported in Lutyens’ area of the city on Wednesday.

In first incident, a fire was reported in the North Block, which houses the ministries of home and finance, due to a short-circuit in the underground cable, leading to complete darkness in the heritage building for nearly an hour.

The fire broke out near gate number eight of the North Block at around 3 pm, but nobody was injured in the incident. At least four fire tenders were called to douse the blaze.

Sources said the fire broke out due to a shortcircuit in underground cables in the basement.

There was no electricity for around 50 minutes leading to complete darkness in the wing where the home ministry is located.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju, Union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi were not present at the building, but minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir entered the building amid the darkness.

The other incident was reported at a restaurant in Kasturba Gandhi Marg.

A call was received at 6.15 pm about the fire breaking out at Parikrama Restaurant located in Antriksh Bhavan, an official said.

Four fire tenders have been rushed to the spot and further details are awaited, the official added.