A fire broke out in the Grain Mandi area of Delhi on Sunday morning. Dozens of people have died in a fire in a four-story building and suffocated in smoke. The number of dead is increasing steadily. So far 43 people have been confirmed dead. Dozens of people have been admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, Hindu Rao and Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, Lady Hardinge Hospital. 30 fire engines reached the spot and the fire was controlled. Relief operations are still going on.
The fire started around 5 am. At that time most people were sleeping in the house. It is being told that small factories used to run in this building, which used to make packaging and plastic bags etc. Many people working here used to sleep here at night. Many laborers have been reported from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
An official of the Delhi Fire Service said that the information about the fire was received at 5.22 am. Immediately 30 fire engines were sent to the spot. He said that many people trapped in the house have been taken out and taken to the hospital. However, many people died in the fire while many died due to smoke.
The injured have been admitted to LNJP and Hindu Rao Hospital. Dr. Kishore Kumar, Medical Superintendent of LNJP Hospital, said that many people have died. The team of doctors is treating the injured. Chief Fire Officer of Delhi Fire Service Atul Garg also reached the spot. He told media persons, "So far 50 people have been rescued. Most people have been affected by the smoke.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sunil Chaudhary told media persons that the fire has been extinguished. Relief continues. There are 30 fire engines engaged in the operation. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed grief over the accident and said that relief and rescue operations are going on. Kejriwal tweeted, 'News of fire has been received. Rescue is on and firefighters are trying their best to save the people.
A large number of fire personnel are present at the scene and are engaged in evacuating the stranded people. Black smoke is coming out of the windows of the house, indicating that there was a huge fire inside. The cause of the fire has not been known.
