One dead, two injured during Diwali in Delhi

A 70-year-old man died of burns while two people suffered injuries in a separate fire incident during Diwali celebrations, officials said here Monday, adding that a total of 266 fire incidents were reported in the city.

The man identified as Mohammad Sharif, a labourer, died after his clothes caught fire while he was smoking inside his house in Seelampur area. He was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

In another incident, two people were injured when a cracker blast took place inside their car in the city's Vijay Vihar area on Diwali night.

Police said the cause of the blast was being investigated while the injured have been discharged from the hospital.

According to fire officials, as many as 177 fires were reported during the 24 hours ending Sunday midnight and 89 till 8 a.m. Monday. As many as 100 incidents were caused due to fire crackers while others were due to electrical short circuits and other reasons.

Last year, there were 250 fire incidents during Diwali.