Here’s what you need to know about the fire at Delhi’s Museum of Natural History

Delhi’s Museum of Natural History – a huge store of national treasure – caught fire on the intervening night of Tuesday, according to the reports.

The museum which was formed in 1978 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was badly ravaged by the fire that started at the top floors and then spread throughout, destroying many valued pieces of India’s natural history. The cause of the fire has not yet been discovered.

Around 25 fire tenders were rushed immediately to control the fire and 15 more were later dispatched, as it was discovered that the building’s fire safety mechanisms had failed. 

The fire, that had spread to all seven floors and the FICCI auditorium, was finally brought under control by 5 in the morning.

The Museum had been evacuated before the officials arrived and had been largely empty, so the fire has not reportedly claimed any lives. However, 7 firefighters were seriously injured in the firefighting and have been admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital and are said to be recuperating. 

The exact damage caused by the fire has not yet been estimated, but the damage caused is large. The museum had many exhibits of prehistoric animals and exotic species. 

By Anushka Jain

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