Date:13/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/13/stories/2008051359410400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Huts destroyed in slum fire

Special Correspondent

TAMBARAM: Nearly 40 huts were completely destroyed in a fire that broke out at Kallukuttai in Perungudi on Monday. No one was hurt, but damage to property was extensive.

Electrical short circuit or flames from a kitchen are suspected to be the cause of the fire.

Residents of Dr. Ambedkar Puratchi Nagar said they noticed a fire around 10.45 a.m. from the western end that spread fast, engulfing close to 40 huts.

Firemen said the control room received the call at 10.53 a.m. But it took nearly half-an-hour for the fire tenders to reach the spot, considering the traffic on the roads leading to the spot. By time the tenders from Raj Bhavan and Thiruvanmiyur stations arrived at the spot, the huts were completely gutted.