India, April 16 -- A massive fire broke out in a slum cluster in Lucknow's Vikas Nagar area on Wednesday evening, destroying more than two dozen huts and triggering panic among residents.

The blaze is believed to have started in a vacant plot near Ring Road and spread rapidly, fuelled by strong winds and highly flammable materials used in the makeshift dwellings.

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky and were visible from several kilometres away as flames engulfed the settlement.

The affected area is located close to several hotels and automobile showrooms.

Explosions suspected, no official confirmation

Local residents claimed that multiple small LPG cylinders exploded during the fire, intensifying the blaze. However, off...