Delhi factory fire: 1 firefighter killed, 14 injured

In yet another fire incident in the national capital on Thursday, a firefighter was killed and 14 others injured due to fire in a battery factory after an explosion.

Fire reported in a battery factory at Peera Garhi in North West Delhi's in the early morning for which over a two dozen fire tenders have rushed. When the firefighters were dousing the blaze, there were explosions in the two-storey building resulting collapse of a portion of the structure.

Around 18 people including two caretakers, security guards, and firefighters, who were stuck under the debris, were rescued.

According to fire department officials, the fire has been brought under control and all the firemen, who were trapped under the debris, have been rescued. The crime branch of Delhi Police was probing the incident.

The national capital witnessed several major fire incidents in the past year. In a fire in a four-storey hotel in Karol Bagh in February, 17 people have killed. In August, several patients have evacuated after a fire broke out near an emergency ward at Delhi's AIIMS.

At least 43 people killed and more than 50 injured after a massive fire broke out a paper factory operating from a residential area at Anaj Mandi in Rani Jhansi road last month.

The deceased firefighter has been identified as Amit Balyan (20), who was admitted to Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled his death and tweeted, "It is with deep sadness I inform you that one of our firemen was martyred while saving people from fire. Our firemen save other people's lives by putting their lives under extremely risk in difficult circumstances. May his soul rest in peace."

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal also condoled the death of the firefighter.

"Deeply anguished over news of death of fire operator Amit Balyan Amit along with his team members fought bravely to save lives of many people. I salute his bravery My sincere condolences to his family members. All possible assistance to be extended to the injured & bereaved family," he tweeted.

Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain also visited the spot and ordered a magisterial enquiry into the matter.

The National Disaster Response Force and civil authorities rushed to the spot to control the situation, an official said, adding that 35 fire tenders were at the spot.

The injured, including a security guard of the factory, were rushed to nearby hospitals, a police officer said.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who visited the fire scene, said he got to know that the condition of a person, some Manjeet Rana, is stated to be critical... The incident is big. An investigation has to be done. The fire took place around 4 am and the fire personnel are still trying to control the fire.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal said he was monitoring the situation.

"V sad to hear this. Am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped," Kejriwal tweeted.

Baijal had also tweeted earlier in the day and said "Deeply saddened over the unfortunate fire incident in Peeragadi. Met the injured. Pray for their speedy recovery. Brave firemen are putting all efforts to douse the fire and rescue people. Directed authorities to provide all possible help on urgent basis."

With PTI inputs