43 killed as fire breaks out in factory in Delhi

New Delhi: At least 43 people were killed after a massive fire broke out in a factory in Anaj Mandi area on Rani Jhansi Road here on Sunday morning, police said.

A call about the fire was received at 5:22 AM following which 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

So far, more than 60 people have been rescued and shifted to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP) and Lady Harding Hospital.

Police said a case has been registered against the factory owner for operating the bag manufacturing unit from a residential area and flouting safety norms.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the incident a tragic loss of precious lives and instructed concerned authorities to provide all help.

“Tragic loss of precious lives in the fire accident in New Delhi. My deepest condolences with the families of those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the early recovery of the injured. Have instructed concerned authorities to provide all possible assistance on an urgent basis,” Shah tweeted.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the incident as “tragic” and said firemen were doing their best. “Very very tragic news. Rescue operations going on. Firemen doing their best. Injured are being taken to hospitals,” Kejriwal tweeted.

BJP’s National Working President J.P. Nadda tweeted: “Extremely anguished by the loss of lives in the fire tragedy at Anaj Mandi, Rani Jhansi Road, Delhi. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. Have asked BJP Delhi karyakartas to provide all possible assistance to those affected.”

The fire is said to be one of the biggest fire incidents in Delhi after the Uphaar Cinema fire which took place on June 13, 1997, in south Delhi’s Green Park area leading to deaths of 59 and over 100 non-fatal injuries.

(IANS)