Anaj Mandi: Five tragic fire accidents in Delhi-NCR this year
On Sunday morning, 43 people lost their lives in a tragic blaze that erupted at a factory on Rani Jhansi road in Delhi's Anaj Mandi area. The fire broke out at around 5 am and is said to be one of the worst fire accidents in the city. Let's take a look at some other fire incidents in Delhi-NCR in the recent past.
In August a fire broke out at Delhi's AIIMS
On August 17, a massive fire had erupted in the PC block of AIIMS. The fire spread through first to fifth floors, and although no casualties were reported, the blaze destroyed samples, reports, and equipment. 34 fire tenders doused the flames. On the intervening night of August 5 and 6, a fire at a residential building in Zakir Nagar killed six, including two children.
July: 3 died at factory fire in Jhilmil Industrial Area
On July 13, three people, including two women were killed in a fire at a hardware factory in Delhi's Jhilmil Industrial Area. The fire was doused after two hours, since congested lanes hampered firefighting operations. The factory's owner and his brother were booked for negligence.
In February, fire at Hotel Arpit Palace killed 17
On February 12, a massive fire engulfed the Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi's Karol Bagh, killing 17 people. The fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit. Earlier that month, a fire erupted in the ICU of Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute at Noida Sector 12. No casualties were reported, however, the inferno caused major panic and 66 patients had to be evacuated.
Anaj Mandi fire: Owner of building detained
In connection with the Sunday fire, the Delhi Police have detained the owner of the building from where the factory had been operating. A case was registered against the owner, Rehan, and his brother Imran under Section 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code against him. Officials suspect a short circuit led to the fire.
Building didn't have a fire clearance: Delhi Fire Service
The fire was reported at 5:22 am on Sunday. The building housed laborers who worked at the factory which manufactured bags, printing paper, and plastic. The Delhi Fire Service said the building didn't have a fire clearance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those deceased, and Rs. 50,000 each for those injured.
Delhi CM also announced financial compensation to deceased's families, injured
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also announced Rs. 10 lakh each as compensation to the families of those deceased, and Rs. 1 lakh each to those injured. The Delhi government will also bear the cost of medical treatment of those injured.
