A massive fire broke out in a factory at Delhi’s Anaj Mandi area early morning on Sunday, 8 December, leaving 43 people dead and several injured. At least 64 people have been rescued and 21 are said to be in a critical state, according to reports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the incident, terming the fire as ‘extremely horrific.’
"The fire in Delhi's Anaj Mandi on Rani Jhansi Road is extremely horrific. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. Wishing the injured a quick recovery," the prime minister said in a tweet.
"Authorities are providing all possible assistance at the site of the tragedy," he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the fire.
"I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wish for the speedy recovery of those injured," he said.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal called the news “very very tragic,” adding the firefighters are “doing their best” and that the injured are being taken to hospitals.
President Ram Nath Kovind also reacted to the news of the fire on Twitter.
Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences to the family members of the deceased. He ensured all authorities will provide immediate assistance at the spot.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted that the incident is “grievous and heart-wrenching”.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who arrived at the spot of the incident, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the immediate kin of those who lost their lives and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, including bearing the cost of medical expenses.
Interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed her condolences via a press release shared on the Congress’s Twitter page. She said she hopes the authorities to save maximum lives and the injured are “treated expeditiously”.
Union Minister and BJP MP Dr Harsh Vardhan, who hails from the constituency where the fire broke out, expressed his condolence while talking to media in Jhansi. He said he is constantly in touch with the local administration and would immediately return to Delhi.
East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir also expressed his concern over the incident. He said, his thoughts and prayers are with the family of the affected. He also called for investigation into the incident and said he doesn’t want to indulge in politics.
National Spokesperson of Congress and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Singhvi tweeted about the need of safety reforms without further delay.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakhs each to the victims of Delhi Fire incident who hails from Bihar.
(With inputs from ANI)
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