NEW DELHI: Three people died and six were injured in a fire that broke out in a factory in Narela Industrial Area. The blaze was followed by an explosion on the premises that led to panic and frenzy.
Those who died and were injured were workers sleeping after completing the day shift. Initial probe revealed that raw green gram was being roasted on burners and a gas leak caused the fire, which led to a blast in a compressor.
DCP Ravi Kumar said the factory owners - Ankit Gupta and Vinay Gupta - have been arrested.
Cops are looking into claims that the machines were not serviced regularly and thus caused a mishap.
Atul Garg, director of Delhi Fire Service, said the factory had no fire NOC and had been operational since 2010.
90 Firefighters Douse Factory Fire In 3 Hours
The fire started around 3.20am, it is suspected. A call about the blaze was received at the fire control room around 3.38am and 16 fire tenders were rushed to the site. Nearly 90 firefighters were deployed to douse the blaze, which was controlled in around 3 hours. Firemen also recovered a dozen gas cylinders from the building. “Had these cylinders exploded, they could have caused significantly more injuries and casualties,” said a fireman.
“The impact of the blast was such that part of the roof and balcony blew up, flinging a labourer 20 metres away,” another firefighter said.
He added that the major problem they faced was the single escape route, which was filled with goods and proved to be a major hindrance.
“We had to use the Bronto skylift to reach the height of the building and douse the flames,” said an official.
Similarly, another group of firefighters went to the terrace of a neighbouring building, attached ladders to the burning building to gain entry, and then doused the flames.
According to police, the blast occurred at the front of the building, making escape impossible for the labourers.
A fire official described the building having a basement, a ground floor, and three floors. Notably, the factory lacked proper ventilation: all spaces were sealed, and even the windows were fixed shut.
NEW DELHI:
Additionally, a large gate with iron netting was installed. According to workers, the factory processed raw green gram. The pulses were refined through three ma chines and then polished. Gas pipes had been installed throughout the factory.
The factory will be examined by experts for lapses.
The deceased have been identified as Shyam (24), Ram Singh (30) and Veerpal (42). Six injured were admitted for treatment. They were later referred to Safdarjung Hospital.
“The factory had a valid factory licence which was renewed in 2022 and was valid till March 31, 2025. The situation is currently under control,” said a MCD official.
A case under IPC Sections 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 304 A (causing death by negligence) has been registered.
English (US) ·