NEW DELHI: At least 27 people died and 12 others were injured after a massive fire broke out in a building near Mundka metro station in west Delhi on Friday evening, officials said.
Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain said that 27 bodies have been recovered so far.
"Fire fighting operation has been concluded, but rescue operation continues, it will take time given the vastness of the area," said Sunil Choudhary, deputy chief fire officer, Delhi Fire Service.
"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," President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.
PM Modi condoled the loss of lives in fire and tweeted, "Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Delhi. My thoughts are with the bereaved families."
PM announced Rs 2 lakh each from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives in the fire. Injured to be given Rs 50,000.
The fire broke out in the building near pillar number 544, officials said. As per visuals from the spot, thick fumes of black smoke, along with massive flames, could be seen billowing out of the four-storey building.
At 4.45pm, a PCR call was received in Mundka police station regarding a fire incident in an office.
On receipt of the aforesaid call the local police immediately reached the spot.
Police officials broke the windows of the building and rescued the inmates. Those injured have been shifted to a hospital, police said.
On preliminary enquiry it has been learnt that the three-story building — a commercial one — is generally used for providing office space for companies.
"The incident of fire in Delhi's Mundka is very sad. I am in constant touch with the concerned officials. NDRF is also reaching there soon. Our priority is to evacuate people and provide immediate treatment to the injured," tweeted Union home minister Amit Shah.
Pained by tragic fire incident in Mundka, constantly in touch with officers, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
The fire began from the first floor of the building which is an office of CCTV cameras and router manufacturing company. The owner of the company is in police custody.
More than 30 fire tenders were pressed into service to control the fire.
(With inputs from agency)
