Fire Tragedy at Capital engulfed 43 lives at Anaj Mandi Area

New Delhi:  8 Dec 2019, Sunday Morning, Factory fire reported at Anaaj Mandi area, Delhi claiming 43 precious lives and left 16 injured. Relatives of labors inside at the time of incident were seen rushing here and there for finding out well being of their knowns.  Some of them were lucky enough to find their near and dear alive but for some ones luck had run out.

In a five story building at Anaj Mandi Area including basement, caught fire at around 5:00 am on the second floor as reported. It took 150 firefighters and 50 fire engines and four hours to control the fire.

Director, DFS Mr. Atul Garg told that firefighters initially struggled to douse the flames because narrow lanes blocked access to the fire units. This is the second biggest fire in the history of Delhis, he said.

Director, DFS said that the factory was operating in a residential area and there were no fire safety provisions in the building.

Police said that most of the deceased were migrant workers from Bihar & UP, who lived in the factory, which manufactured school bags and purses. At the time of the incident, workers were sleeping inside the building that was locked from inside.

Eyewitnesses said that residents climbed to the roofs of the nearby buildings to watch the tragedy unfold as rescuers struggled to evacuate the victims.

The iron gates was broken by firemen to get access to the top floors where many labourers were sleeping as well. The victims were moved to different hospitals where some of them were declared brought dead, police said.

Hours after the mishap, politicians started visiting the accident site and the hospitals where victims were being treated.

The Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal announced that strict action will be taken against the officials found guilty. He also informed that the Delhi government ordered a probe into the fire and sought a detailed report within seven days. It is a very sad incident.

The CM has ordered a magisterial enquiry into it. Compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to be given to families of those dead and Rs 1 lakh each to those injured. The expenses of medical treatment of those injured will be borne by the government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the fire as horrific. He tweeted: The fire in Delhis 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.

PM Modi also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the fire.

The owner has been booked under Section 304-A (causing death due to negligence) and Section 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible material) (IPC).

A forensic team has reached the incident site to collect samples from inside the building and collected evidences.

The Operation:

As the building was situated at Anaj Mandi locality which has a narrow lane only one fire tender could approach the fire site thereby making the fire extinction and rescue operation bit difficult. The fire personnels took out causality/ injured persons on their shoulders to the main road from where they were transported to the nearest hospitals by ambulances and private vehicles.

Firemen Injured:

2 firemen and two police officials were also reported injured and were undergoing treatment. Rajesh Shukla, ADO, Fire of Old Delhi Area was one of the injured who had rescued 11 persons as stated from the building. He has sustained injuries in his leg and is admitted in the hospital.