Forty-three people have died so far in a fire accident in New Delhi on Sunday morning, PTI reported.
The fire broke out at a factory in Anaj Mandi on Rani Jhansi Road around 5.22 am, PTI reported. Around 59 people were inside the factory when the blaze broke out. Officials said initial investigation suggests the fire was caused by a short circuit.
The Delhi government ordered an investigation into the incident. Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot sought a report from the district magistrate (central) in seven days. Delhi Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain also said an investigation will be conducted.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for families of those who died, and Rs 1 lakh to those injured after visiting the site of the fire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences to families of victims and called the news “extremely horrific”.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also tweeted their condolences to families.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that it was “very, very tragic news”. “Firemen are doing their best,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “tragic loss” and said he has instructed authorities to provide all “possible assistance”, ANI reported.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was saddened by the news and extended his “deepest condolences to the families of those killed”.
Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi also expressed her “deep shock and dismay” at the fire. She urged authorities to provide all assistance to victims’ families. “Expressing her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of over four dozen deceased in the tragic accident, Gandhi hoped that maximum lives will be saved and those injured are treated expeditiously,” a party statement said.
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