A fire broke out in the hutments in Srinivasapuram behind the Foreshore Estate bus terminus on Friday afternoon.
Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services personnel said the fire started around 1.50 p.m. in the hut of a daily wage labourer, Raja, and rapidly spread. Residents tried to douse the flames but were unsuccessful. Three tenders from the Teynampet, Mylapore and Saidapet stations were rushed to the spot.
Over 20 firemen led by divisional fire officer (south) P. Saravana Kumar and station fire officer (Teynampet) R. Palanisamy battled the blaze for 30 minutes. A total of 15 of the more than 50 huts were gutted. However, no one was injured.
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“The cause is uncertain. We found out there was an LPG cylinder blast which could have triggered the fire,” said Mr. Palanisamy.
Residents went on the Santhome High Road to stage a road roko but gave up the protest after the police promised aid for affected residents, police said.