43 killed as inferno rips through north Delhi factory

A massive fire ripped through a factory in Anaj Mandi area of north Delhi on Sunday morning, leaving 43 labourers dead and many others injured, police said.

The fire broke out in the second floor of the four-storey building in the early hours and 30 fire tenders were pressed into service, fire officials said.

150 fire personnel carried out the rescue operation and pulled out 63 people from the building.

While 43 labourers died, two fire personnel also sustained injuries while carrying out rescue operations, fire officials said.

The Delhi government has ordered a probe into the incident and sought a detailed report within seven days. An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each has been announced for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 1 lakh for those injured.

Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the site of the fire accident which was clogged with bystanders and politicians arriving in convoys.

Firemen made their way through narrow lanes to rescue those trapped inside the blackened building and carried many unconscious labourers on their backs
"Authorities are providing all possible assistance at the site of the tragedy," he said