Delhi: 27 Dead, Several Feared Trapped in Fire Near Mundka Metro Station; Rescue Ops Underway

At least 27 people have died and several others are feared trapped after a massive fire broke out in a four-storey commercial building near pillar number 545 at Mundka metro station in west Delhi, officials said. Delhi Fire Service Director Atul Garg told CNN-News18 that the third floor of the building is yet to be searched and more dead bodies are expected to be recovered.

Over 50 people have been rescued from the building from the two floors, said Outer district Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Sameer Sharma. More than 30 fire tenders are at the spot to douse the flames. Twelve people, who were injured, have been shifted to a hospital.

The process of dousing the flames is underway. According to fire department officials, information about the blaze was received at 4.40 pm.

The police have reached the spot after receiving information about the blaze, broke the windows of the building, rescued people and got the injured admitted in a hospital, a senior police officer told PTI. Preliminary enquiry has revealed that the building was generally used for providing office space to companies, Sharma said.

The fire initiated from the first floor of the building which houses the office of a CCTV camera and router manufacturing company, the DCP said. The owner of the company is in police custody.

Fire brigades present at the spot are trying to bring the situation under control. Ambulance is also available at the spot for providing immediate medical assistance to the victims, police said.

Condolences Pour In for Those Killed

President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed grief over the incident and wished speedy recovery for those injured. Taking to Twitter, he said, “Distressed by the tragic fire accident at a building near Mundka Metro Station in Delhi. My condolences to the bereaved families. I wish for speedy recovery of the injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed sadness over the incident and said, “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Delhi. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

Meanwhile, PM Modi announced that Rs 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the fire in Delhi and those injured would be given Rs 50,000.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that he is in touch with the officers present at the spot. “Shocked and pained to know abt this tragic incident. I am constantly in touch wid officers. Our brave firemen are trying their best to control the fire and save lives. God bless all,” he tweeted.

Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Mansukh Mandaviya have also expressed grief for those who lost their live and wished speedy recovery for those injured in the incident.

Another Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed shock and offered condolences to all bereaved families.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Pained by the tragic loss of lives in the Delhi fire near Mundka Metro station. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.”

Former chief minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh has also tweeted about the unfortunate incident and said, “Extremely saddened by the news of a massive fire in a commercial building in Delhi which has left more than 25 people dead and many injured. Pray to Waheguru Ji for quick and complete recovery of the injured and to grant eternal peace to the departed souls.”

BJP national president JP Nadda said that he was deeply pained to hear about the tragic fire break out at the building near West Delhi’s Mundka Metro Station and expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

Read all the Latest India News here