NEW DELHI: A devastating fire engulfed a paint factory in New Delhi, India’s capital, resulting in the loss of at least 11 lives and injuring four others, local media reported on Friday.
According to fire authorities, the blaze started in the lower level of the factory late on Thursday, leaving the victims trapped on upper floors with no means of escape. The factory, located in the northern area of Alipur, also have a chemical warehouse.
“Atul Garg, Director of Fire services confirmed the incident and said that the victims were laborers. The impact was such that the fire spread to a house and a drug rehabilitation center nearby, the official maintained.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and bodies of the victims were recovered from the debris following an extensive five-hour firefighting operation. So far, the identities of the deceased are not determined, officials said.
Garg stated that investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of the blast in the factory. Factory accidents are common in India, often stemming from owners disregarding basic safety protocols and operating without proper permits.
Earlier, more than 40 people lost their lives in a 2019 fire at a factory producing school bags and shoes in Delhi.
