Massive rescue efforts on as chaos grips area, political statements pouring in
WEB DESK
At least 43 people were killed after a massive fire broke out in a factory at Anaj Mandi area of Rani Jhansi Road in the national capital early morning today.
Delhi police said, 59 people were rescued and out of them 43 died in the tragic incident. The injured were admitted to LNJP, RML and Hindu Rao Hospitals. Most of the rescued persons were affected by smoke.
The brother of the factory’s owner has been taken in custody, by the police. 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.
Fire Service official said, they received a call at 5:22 hours about the fire and 25 fire tenders were pressed into service.
Delhi Government has ordered a magisterial probe into the fire incident in the national capital. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who visited the site directed the District Magistrate of Central Delhi to submit the report within a week. Mr Kejriwal announced a compensation of 10 lakh rupees each to the families of the dead and one lakh rupees each to the injured and free treatment.
Senior BJP leader and the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, who reached the spot said that BJP will extend financial support of five lakh rupees each to the families of those who have lost their lives.
Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari who also visited the site described it as a sad incident. He said, as per initial information, fire broke out due to short circuit and people died of suffocation.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern over the fire incident. In a tweet, Prime Minister said, the fire in Delhi’s Anaj Mandi on Rani Jhansi Road is extremely horrific. He said, his thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed deepest condolences over tragic loss of lives in the fire accident.