At least 27 people died after a major fire broke out in a building near Mundka metro station in west Delhi on Friday, officials said. According to reports, at least 30 more are injured and a few are trapped on the third floor of the building. Officials added that 20 fire tenders were rushed to the spot after information was received about the blaze at 4.40 pm. The cause of the fire will be investigated, said officials.
“A total of 27 bodies were recovered from the 3-storey commercial building, which had caught fire this evening near Delhi’s Mundka metro station. The third floor is yet to be searched,” said Atul Garg, Delhi Fire Director. The fire broke out in a building near pillar number 544, Mundka metro station, they said, adding the process of dousing the flames is underway.
Officials said at 11 pm, “Fire fighting operation has been concluded. Rescue operation continues, it will take time given the vastness of the area.”
Delhi Police said that as per preliminary inquiry, it has been learned that the building is a 3-story commercial building generally used for providing office space for companies. “The fire initiated from the 1st floor of the building which is an office of a CCTV cameras & router manufacturing company,” they said.
The owner of the company is currently in police custody. “The deceased woman is yet to be identified. Rescue operation on. Police force deployed with the area being cordoned off. About 15 fire tenders are at the spot, & more coming in. Fire on two floors. About 50-60 people were rescued, and 2-3 injured,” said Sameer Sharma, DCP, Outer district.
Condolences from key leaders:
“Distressed by the tragic fire accident at a building near Mundka Metro Station in Delhi. My condolences to the bereaved families. I wish for speedy recovery of the injured,” said President Kovind. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu too expressed his sympathies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and said, “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Delhi. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
