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A fire broke out late last night at the rugby stadium under construction for next year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The blaze had started in the venue seats and taken almost two hours to extinguish but no casualties were reported.

A spokesman for the fire brigade said: "PVC sheet was being laid when the fire broke out due to carelessness in welding work."

He said the fire was put out within two hours when six fire engines were rushed to the spot, officials said.

The fire brigade spokesman said: "The fire was put out by around 9.15 pm.

"Cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained."

The extent of the damage was not immediately known with the site cordoned off by private security guards deployed by Gammon India, which is constructing the stadium.

The under-construction rugby seven grounds at Hindu College in Delhi University will host rugby matches during the Games next year. A few of the participating teams have already begun using the ground for practice.

The under-construction stadium at Hindu College in Delhi University will host Rugby Sevens matches during the Games, which are due to begin on October 3, 2010. Many of the leading nations have already been to Delhi to inspect the stadium and facilities ahead of the event.