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Raging New Delhi fire leaves dozens dead

Fireman battle to douse the blaze that claimed the lives of at least 27 people. <i>Photo: Twitter/Abdul Rahman</i>

Fireman battle to douse the blaze that claimed the lives of at least 27 people. Photo: Twitter/Abdul Rahman

At least 27 people have perished in a New Delhi fire in an office and factory building authorities say lacked the most basic fire-safety gear.

Rescuers who battled the blaze long into the night fear many more bodies will be found inside.

Dozens were rescued from the four-storey building, which contained mainly shops, the fire brigade said. The building is in the Mundka area in western New Delhi.

The Press Trust of India news agency said 12 people suffered burns in the fire and 50 were evacuated from the building.

Twenty-seven fire engines doused the flames after battling for more than five hours on Friday evening. A search operation continued to look for anyone trapped in the rubble.

The cause of the fire was not immediately clear.

“Distressed by the tragic fire accident at a building near Mundka Metro Station in Delhi. My condolences to the bereaved families. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” India’s President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was extremely saddened by the loss of lives.

Fires are common in India, where building laws and safety norms are often flouted by builders and residents.

Atul Garg, director of Delhi Fire Services, said the building had no clearance from the fire department and it was not equipped with fire safety equipment like extinguishers.

The Indian Express said two owners of a company selling security cameras were detained for questioning as the fire reportedly started from their office.

The casualties occurred on the second floor of the building, where inflammable plastic material used for manufacturing equipment such as security cameras was stored.

In 2019, a fire caused by an electrical short circuit engulfed a building in New Delhi and killed 43 people.

-AAP

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