Delhi: 43 Dead As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Factory In Anaj Mandi; MHA Seeks Detailed Report

As many as 59 people have been removed from the fire site in the area, fire department officials have said.

New Delhi: At least 43 people died and over a dozen others injured early on Sunday when a fire broke out in a factory in a crowded market in West Delhi's Rani Jhansi Road area, the national capital's Fire Service Department said. 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. As per the fire department officials, 59 people have been rescued from the factory. People are injured not due to fire but smoke inhalation, they said. "V v tragic news. Rescue operations going on. Firemen doing their best. Injured are being taken to hospitals," CM Kejriwal tweeted about the incident. 30 fire tenders were engaged at the spot after they got a call at about 5:30 am in the morning and the rescue operation got over after 4 hours at around 9:30 am. All those who have been rescued, have been rushed in four hospitals - LNJP, Lady Harding, Safdarjung Hospital and RML hospital. Spot visuals of the incident showed black plumes of smoke coming out of the building’s window. As per reports the fire-tenders and ambulance were finding it difficult to reach the spot because of the highly congested and narrow streets of the area. The exact reason behind the fire has not yet been ascertained, though electrical faults could apparently be a cause. Officials said that the main priority is to bring out those who are trapped inside the houses. Delhi CM Kejriwal visists site; announces Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia; orders probe The Delhi government will conduct a probe and take action against those responsible for the fire incident in north Delhi which claimed 43 lives on Sunday morning. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal who visited the site of the massive fire in Anaj Mandi to take a stock of the situation, said that the incident was a very tragic one. He said he had ordered a magistrate probe in the matter. He also said that those injured will be provided monetary help for their medical treatment and Rs 1 lakh compensation each. Delhi Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain earlier said that an investigation will be conducted into the incident. "It is a tragic incident. Investigation will be conducted and action will be taken against whoever is responsible for it...," Hussain tweeted. PM announces 2 lakh ex-gratia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for families of those killed and Rs 50 thousand for the injured after the mishap. MHA seeks detailed report on Delhi factory fire: The Union Home Ministry has sought a detailed report on the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 43 people and injured over a dozen on early Sunday. It is learnt that the report has been sought both from Delhi Police and the state government. Also Watch:  Leaders express grief at the loss of lives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grioef and termed the incident and extremely horrific. "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," hetweeted.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2019

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was sad at the news of the death of many people and injuries to many, due to the huge fire. "I express my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery," he tweeted.

दिल्ली के अनाज मंडी मे, भीषण आग लगने से कईयो की मौत और अनेक लोगों के घायल होने की खबर से आहत हूं ।

मृतकों के परिवार के प्रति मैं अपनी गहरी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूं और घायलों के जल्द स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं।#delhifire — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2019

Home Minister Amit Shah termed the incident as tragic and instructed concerned authorities to provide all possible assistance. "Tragic loss of precious lives in the fire accident in New Delhi. My deepest condolences with 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 urgent basis," he tweeted.