A spark, a blast — before flames engulfed Alipur factory that left 11 dead

Of the 11 victims, eight have been identified so far: Ashok Kumar Jain (62), owner of Om Suns paint; Ram Surat (44); Vishal Gaund (19); Anil Thakur (46); Pankaj Kumar (29); Shubham (19); Mira (44); and Brij Kishore (19).

The workers, who worked 10-hour shifts, were involved in various tasks: three made paint using a paint-making machine installed inside the factory, while the others packaged it into plastic containers and affixed labels onto the product.

Officials examine drums containing paint thinner, which may have exploded and caused the fire (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

Meanwhile, neighbours and eyewitnesses claimed the owner used to keep the main steel gates of the factory shut throughout the shift and only opened it for 30 minutes during lunch break.

Spread to houses via ‘polluted’ drains

According to the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), they received a call around 5.25 pm — over an hour after the blaze broke out — and 22 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. By then, the factory’s roof had collapsed.

Through the drains, which contained thinner and other waste discharged by the factory, fire officials said the flames spread rapidly to four shops and houses nearby, as well as a Nasha Mukti Kendra located across the factory.

Several shops nearby were damaged as well (Express Photo By Amit Mehra)

Police said there were 15 people inside the centre, including five staffers. “Constable Karamveer of Alipur police station (part of the team deployed to the spot) also rushed to the top of the de-addiction centre and helped rescue those trapped. He sustained burn injuries and was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital,” said DCP (Outer North) Ravi Kumar. Karamveer, who sustained burn injuries on his arms and palms, told The Indian Express, “Several persons inside the de-addiction were trapped. I climbed atop a neighbouring building and jumped on the centre’s terrace where the occupants had gathered… I then carried all of them and made them climb down the stairs.”

Police also rescued a dog from the centre. The DCP added that three more people living in nearby buildings sustained injuries and were referred to Lok Nayak Hospital. “The National Disaster Response Force, along with the fire department, conducted a search operation inside the burnt buildings. A total of 11 charred bodies were recovered from the paint factory and their remains have been preserved at BJRM Hospital,” Kumar said.

The fire was completely extinguished only around 9 pm. The blaze also destroyed some bikes, four shops, and a resident’s household items like a refrigerator, washing machine and beds.

A case under IPC sections of causing death by negligence and culpable homicide has been lodged against unknown persons.