New Delhi: The national capital on Sunday witnessed a huge tragedy where 43 people lost their lives in a massive fire which engulfed a factory at Rani Jhansi Road area. 30 fire tenders were rushed to spot to douse the fire and carry out rescue operations.
As per the last available figure, over 56 people have been injured in the fire. Police informed that when the fire broke out, 59 people were inside the factory.
Seeing the intensity of fire, more than 150 rescue officials were deployed at the spot to control the situation. They managed to rescue 63 people from the building. The injured persons were immediately rushed to RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge and Hindu Rao Hospital.
Many people breathed their last at the hospital. There was a complete chaos at the fire incident spot and the hospitals. Relatives of the injured people rushed to the hospitals. They were desperately trying to locate their relatives at the hospitals.
Meanwhile, police are looking for building owner who has been absconding. A case has been registered against the owner of the building under Section 304 (Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of Indian Penal Code.
Many political leaders immediately rushed to the spot. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Bhartiya Janata Party leaders Manoj Tiwari and Anurag Thakur were the ones who visited the site.
Chief Fire Officer of Delhi Fire Service, Atul Garg said, “We have rescued more than 50 people. They were all affected by the smoke inside the building. Talking to media, Deputy Fire Chief Officer Sunil Choudhary said, “A fire broke out in a 600 sq feet plot. It was very dark inside. It is a factory where school bags, bottles and other materials were kept.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “The fire in Delhi's Anaj Mandi on Rani Jhansi Road is extremely horrific. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. Wishing the injured a quick recovery. Authorities are providing all possible assistance at the site of the tragedy.”
He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for next of kin of those who have lost their lives.
Delhi CM also visited the hospital where injured were treated. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the families. He said, “It is a very sad incident. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into it. Compensation Rs 10 lakh each to be given to families of those dead and Rs 1 lakh each to those injured. The expense of medical treatment of those injured to be borne by the government.”
Meanwhile, the BJP announced Rs 5 lakh help for the families of the deceased. Delhi BJP chief said, “The party has decided to help the families of those who died with Rs 5 lakh and those who suffered injuries by Rs 25,000.”
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has also expressed a deep shock in a statement. She expressed a deep shock and dismay at the massive fire which claimed innocent lives.
“Expressing her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of over four dozen increased in the tragic accident. Gandhi hoped that maximum lives will be saved and those injured are treated expeditiously,” a party statement said.
Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “I am saddened by the news of deaths in Delhi's Anaj Mandi. I offer my condolences to the family of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
