Journalism of Courage
At least 43 people were killed in a massive fire which broke out at a factory in Anaj Mandi area of Delhi’s Rani Jhansi road early Sunday morning. The fire has been doused. As many as 50 people have been rescued so far and the rescue operation is underway. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Several people have been rushed to RML Hospital and Hindu Rao Hospital. It is being told that the fire broke out after a short circuit in the electric meter. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Nearly 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot after the first call regarding the fire was received at 5:22 am. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
The fire was reportedly caused due to a short circuit in the electric meter of the factory where 200 workers had been sleeping. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the site of the incident and has ordered a probe to find out the cause of the fire. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “The fire in Delhi’s 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.” (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Delhi Minister Imran Hussain assured investigation into the matter. “It is a tragic incident. An investigation will be conducted and action will be taken against whoever is responsible for it,” said Hussain. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “Saddened at the news that a massive fire in the Anaj Mandi area of Delhi has claimed many lives and left several people injured. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wish for the speedy recovery of those injured.” (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the site of the fire incident with relatives and locals rushing to the area. Distraught relatives tried to locate their family members at various hospitals where the injured and dead were taken. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Manoj (23), a resident of Begusarai in Bihar, said his brother Naveen (18) was working in a handbag manufacturing unit operating from the premises. "I got a call from his friend informing that he has been injured in the incident. I have no clue which hospital he has been taken to," he said. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
According to an unidentified elderly man whose three nephews were working in the factory, "At least 12-15 machines were installed in the unit. I have no idea about the factory owner. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Thirty-four people were brought dead to LNJP hospital and smoke inhalation was the primary cause of the death. Some of the bodies were charred, Dr Kishore Singh, Medical Superintendent, LNJP, said. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the victims who have been killed due to the fire. (ANI photo)
Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Anurag Thakur, BJP MPs Manoj Tiwari and Vijay Goel were among those who visited the spot on Rani Jhansi Road. (Express photo: Amit Mehra)
