In a tragic incident at Narela Industrial Area in outer Delhi, a massive fire erupted in a food processing unit early Saturday morning, resulting in an explosion that claimed three lives and left six others severely injured, as confirmed by police and fire officials.
The fire broke out around 3:15 am, engulfing the four-storey building where 23 laborers were working. Despite some managing to escape, the blaze led to a compressor explosion, causing the fatalities and injuries.
The deceased workers were identified as Beerpal Sharma (42), Shyam Singh (24), and Ram Singh (30), while the injured were rushed to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment.
Authorities revealed that a gas pipeline leak on the ground floor of Shayam Kripa Foods Pvt Ltd sparked the fire, which rapidly spread across floors and triggered the fatal explosion in the compressor.
Surviving workers shared harrowing details, alleging cramped working conditions without proper ventilation or safety measures. They claimed to have been locked inside the factory by their employers during work hours.
Pushpender Singh (30), one of the injured workers, described the chaotic scene during the fire and subsequent blast, highlighting the lack of control and safety protocols.
Police have taken swift action by arresting factory owners, Ankit Gupta and Vinay Gupta, while investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact cause and responsibility for the tragic incident.
Delhi Fire Service officials noted several violations in the building, including the absence of fire exits, inadequate safety equipment, and operating without a valid fire permit, raising serious concerns about workplace safety standards.
The fire not only claimed lives and caused injuries but also led to the destruction of multiple buildings in the vicinity, underscoring the devastating impact of the incident on the local community.