Date:07/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/07/stories/2009010759120300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

45 huts gutted

Special Correspondent

— Photo: R. Ravindran

FIERY RAVAGE: The post-fire remains of temporary settlements near the Marina beach on Tuesday.

CHENNAI: At least 45 huts were reportedly gutted in a fire that broke out near the Marina Beach here on Tuesday.

Police said a few construction workers had put up the huts as a temporary settlement in the area as they were engaged in the renovation of pedestrian pavement. Around 11.30 a.m., fire broke out from the hut of one Velu and spread to other huts. Even as efforts were made to extinguish the fire, the huts were damaged within minutes, police added. The Anna Square police are investigating.