3 killed in Delhi rubber factory fire, CM announces ₹5 lakh ex-gratia

Three people died in a major fire that broke out this morning at a rubber factory in Delhi's Jhilmil industrial area. As many as 26 fire engines were deployed to douse the fire. The CM has announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh to the kin of the deceased.

New Delhi: At least three people were killed after a massive fire broke out in a rubber factory in Jhilmil industrial area in Delhi on Saturday, the police said.

"We received information around 10 am that a fire had broken out in a rubber factory. Initially, we sent 4 fire engines but after our officers reached the spot they said that they would require more engines, so we went a total of 26 fire engines to control the fire," an official from the department said.

Narendra Chabra, General Secretary, Jhilmil Industrial area, said, "I got the information about this fire at around 9 am. I reached here at 9:30 am and the fire department was informed immediately. The fire department, Delhi police, and DCP Meghna Yadav are doing their best to bring the situation under control."

Later, CM Arvind Kejriwal announced ₹5 lakh compensation each to the families of those who died in the fire. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal tweeted, "Shocked to know about three deaths in a factory fire in Jhilmil Industrial area. Fire Services personnel tried their best to bring the fire under control in hostile conditions. Am visiting the site wid Industries minister."

• Shocked to know about three deaths in a factory fire in Jhilmil Industrial area. Fire Services personnel tried their best to bring the fire under control in hostile conditions. Am visiting the site wid Industries Minister

  — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 13, 2019 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  Shocked to know about three deaths in a factory fire in Jhilmil Industrial area. Fire Services personnel tried their best to bring the fire under control in hostile conditions. Am visiting the site wid Industries Minister

  — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 13, 2019

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  Shocked to know about three deaths in a factory fire in Jhilmil Industrial area. Fire Services personnel tried their best to bring the fire under control in hostile conditions. Am visiting the site wid Industries Minister

  — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 13, 2019

Meanwhile, the rescue operation has been concluded. An investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire.