27 dead after massive fire breaks out in building in Delhi's Mundka, more feared trapped
A massive fire broke out at an office building in Mundka in Delhi at around 4.45 pm on Friday. Twenty-seven people died in the incident.
In Short
- A massive fire broke out at a building in Delhi's Mundka
- Twenty-seven bodies have been recovered so far
- More people are feared trapped inside the building
Twenty-seven people died after a massive fire broke out at an office building in Mundka in Delhi at around 4.45 pm on Friday. According to the Delhi Police, people were still trapped in the building as of Friday night. Search and rescue operations were underway.
"Fire-fighting operation has been concluded. Rescue operation continues, it will take time given the vastness of the area," Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sunil Choudhary was quoted as saying by ANI news agency.
When the fire broke out, the local police reached the spot immediately and broke the windows of the office building to rescue those trapped inside. Those injured were admitted to the hospital.
#WATCH | Fire near Mundka metro station, Delhi: 1 woman dead in the fire. Rescue operation continues with about 15 fire tenders at the spot, as per DCP Sameer Sharma, Outer district pic.twitter.com/okHUjGE7cn — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2022
More than 30 fire brigades were rushed to the spot to control the situation. An ambulance also reached the site of the fire to provide immediate medical assistance to the victims.
On preliminary inquiry, it has been learnt that the four-storey building is used as office space for multiple companies.
The fire broke out on the first floor of the building, which serves as the office for a company that manufactures CCTV cameras and routers. Over 50 employees of the company have been rescued. The owner of the company, meanwhile, has been detained by the police.
'EXTREMELY SADDENED': PM MODI
PM Modi tweeted, "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."
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. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2022
The Prime Minister's Office tweeted that Rs 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of all those who lost their lives in the fire. Those injured will be given Rs 50,000 each.
Reacting to the incident, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "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."
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. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 13, 2022
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote, "Shocked and pained to know about this tragic incident. I am constantly in touch with officers. Our brave firemen are trying their best to control the fire and save lives. God bless all."
Shocked and pained to know abt this tragic incident. I am constantly in touch wid officers. Our brave firemen are trying their best to control the fire and save lives. God bless all. https://t.co/qmL43Qbd88 — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 13, 2022
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the administration is engaged in relief and rescue work, adding that the NDRF will reach the national capital soon.
"The fire incident in Delhi's Mundka is very sad. I am in constant touch with the concerned officials, and the administration is engaged in relief and rescue work. NDRF is also reaching there soon. Our priority is to evacuate people and provide immediate treatment to the injured," Amit Shah said.
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "Deeply saddened at the loss of lives in the devastating fire accident in Delhi’s Mundka. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & pray for speedy recovery of those injured."
Defence minister Rajnath Singh wrote, "The fire in Mundaka, Delhi is extremely horrific. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Praying for the quick recovery of those who are injured."
Meanwhile, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari blamed the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi for the incident. He tweeted in Hindi, "Has this become the destiny of Delhiites under the Aam Aadmi Party? Every year such accidents happen in Delhi but Kejriwal government is not doing anything."