In brief
A blaze erupted in a shoe factory in Delhi’s Mangolpuri area, killing four workers and injuring two. Preliminary reports say the fire began in the basement and trapped employees on upper floors. Police have launched an investigation to uncover the cause.
As a blaze erupted Friday night in Delhi's Mangolpuri industrial area, the shoe factory extinguished four workers' lives and left two others wounded.
The fire began in the basement and spread quickly through the building, trapping employees on upper levels.
Police responded promptly, rescuing six workers who were unconscious and sent them to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mangolpuri.
"Six people were rescued from inside the factory in an unconscious condition and rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mangolpuri," a police official said.
The police official added that four of the rescued workers were later declared dead at the hospital, while the remaining two received treatment.
Fire officials suggest the blaze may have started in the basement where flammable materials were stored.
Heavy smoke filled the upper floors, narrowing escape routes and forcing workers to seek shelter in stairwells.
The building's ventilation system failed to contain the smoke, contributing to the rapid spread of fire.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause, with the Delhi Fire Service and the Ministry of Labour set to review safety protocols.
The incident highlights serious safety concerns in the country's footwear industry, as factories often house hazardous materials.
Authorities urge factory owners to adhere to fire safety regulations and conduct regular drills to protect workers.
The fire started after midnight Friday and was noticed by a worker who rushed to the factory gate, calling emergency services.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, managing to control the spread by early Saturday morning.
An internal investigation will assess whether safety certifications were up to date and whether the factory met mandatory fire drill requirements.
