Delhi Fire: 43 people dead in blaze at Anaj Mandi

At least 43 people were killed in a massive fire that swept through a factory operating from a residential area in Delhi's Anaj Mandi on Rani Jhansi road early on Sunday. Over 50 people have been rescued so far.

The fire, which erupted due to a short-circuit, has been doused and rescue efforts are underway. Many people trapped inside were rescued and rushed to RML Hospital, LNJP and Hindu Rao Hospital, fire officials said.

As per reports, the fire was reported at around 5:22 AM following which 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the site of the fire incident with relatives and locals rushing to the area.

Dr Kishore Kumar, Medical Superintendent of Lok Nayak Hospital, told to news agency ANI, "We got 14 casualties, of which 10 were brought dead. The causalities have been brought from Basti area near filmistan. Our team of doctors is attending to those who are alive."

Giving details of the incident, Deputy Fire Chief Officer Sunil Choudhary said: "A fire broke out in a 600 sq feet plot. It was very dark inside. It is a factory where school bags, bottles, and other materials were kept."The officer further said the fire was of 'medium category' and had been completely doused.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "extremely horrific".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah instructed concerned authorities to provide all possible assistance on an urgent basis.

Conveying deepest condolences with the kin of the deceased, Shah tweeted, "Tragic loss of precious lives in the fire accident in New Delhi. My deepest condolences with families of those who have lost their loved ones."

The Home Minister also prayed for the early recovery of the injured.

He said that he has "instructed concerned authorities to provide all possible assistance on an urgent basis."

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the fire incident as tragic and said firemen were doing their best.

"V v tragic news. Rescue operations going on. Firemen doing their best. Injured are being taken to hospitals," the chief minister said in a tweet.

(With Agency Inputs)

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