At least six people were killed and 13 injured when a massive fire broke out in a multi-storey building in Delhi’s Zakir Nagar in the early hours of yesterday.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the site of the tragedy, and announced Rs500,000 compensation to the families of each deceased.
Kejriwal said the cause of fire and lapses, if any, would be investigated.
“Shocked to know about the loss of lives. The Delhi government will provide all help to affected families. Cause of fire will be probed,” Kejriwal tweeted.
He also visited fire victims in hospital and announced Rs200,000 compensation to each.
Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal also met the victims at the Holy Family Hospital and extended his condolences to families of the deceased.
He asked the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) and the Delhi police to take action against developers of building in the congested area which had no access to emergency services.
According to the Delhi Fire Service, the blaze started at 2.20am in a four-storey building near the Jamia Millia Islamia University. Among the injured were people who tried to jump out to safety.
The fire service received information around 2.30am and rushed eight fire tenders to the site.
“The fire was doused by 5.25am,” said Atul Garg, Delhi fire chief.
According to officials, a short circuit due to over consumption of power likely caused the fire.
“The street was full of smoke. I was on the first floor of the building. People on the third and fourth floors were shouting for help,” said Junaid, who escaped the fire. People panicked and jumped from their houses to save their lives, he added.
Source:gulf-times.com
