Lucknow, April 16 -- A massive fire broke out in slums at Sector 12, Vikas Nagar, in Lucknow on Wednesday evening, destroying numerous shanties amid fears that multiple people were injured.

Following the blaze which erupted at around 5pm, thick black smoke could be seen from kilometres away in different parts of the city. About 280 shanties were destroyed, rendering 1000 people homeless, Lucknow DM Vishakh G said. Officials said no deaths were reported as multiple agencies swung into action and contained the flames after a three-hour effort. The displaced families were shifted to shelters.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the incident and directed officials to immediately reach the site and expedite relief operations. ...