New Delhi: A massive fire destroyed the National Museum of Natural History in FICCI building in central Delhi in the wee hours today, with many exhibits like herpetological specimens and taxidermied animals gutted.

Six fire officials were rushed to hospital after they inhaled excessive smoke during the four-hour operation to control the blaze that broke out at 1:45 AM. Their condition is said to be stable now, officials said. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who visited the spot, described the fire mishap as "unfortunate" and ordered a safety audit of all museums under his ministry.