New Delhi: Four people died and two others were being treated in hospital after a fire broke out in the basement of a shoe factory in Mangolpuri Industrial Area on Friday night, sending smoke to the upper floors.
Outer District DCP Vikram Singh said six people were taken to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. Four were declared brought dead, while the other two were receiving treatment.
The fire broke out at around 9:30 pm, and 20 fire tenders were sent to the site. Fire crews began rescue operations as smoke from burning material in the basement spread through the building.
Fire officer Paras Kumar said crews contained the fire within the basement. One person was brought out from the third-floor staircase and five others were rescued from a room on the fourth floor.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Singh said police were taking appropriate legal action and looking for those allegedly responsible. The factory owners were also being called for questioning.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said officials had been directed to ensure proper treatment for the injured, assistance for affected families and faster relief work.
Gupta said all relevant agencies were engaged in rescue and relief operations and that the situation was being continuously monitored.
