Chandigarh
A firefighter was killed and 14 others injured when a battery factory collapsed in northwest Delhi’s Peera Garhi following an explosion due to a fire that broke out early this morning, officials said.
Eighteen persons were rescued from the building, including two caretakers and a security guard, they added. The deceased firefighter was identified as Amit Balyan (20).
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled his death and tweeted: “It is with deep sadness I inform you that one of our firemen was martyred while saving people from fire. Our firemen save other people’s lives by putting their lives at extreme risk. May his soul rest in peace.”
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal also condoled the death of the firefighter. “Deeply anguished over the news of the death of fireman Amit Balyan. Amit, along with his team members, fought bravely to save lives of many people. I salute his bravery. My sincere condolences to his family members. All possible assistance to be extended to the injured & bereaved family,” he tweeted.
A large portion of the two-story building collapsed following an explosion while firefighters were dousing the blaze, an official said, adding that fire department had received a call at 4.23 am.
According to fire department officials, the fire has been brought under control, but the cooling process is still underway. All the firemen, who were trapped under the debris, have been rescued.
Santosh Kumar, who works in a plastic factory nearby, said around 9 am, the rear side of the building collapsed. “Two to four persons were still trapped inside the building and were heard screaming for help. The fire personnel rescued them with the help of a ladder. They were alive,” he said.
According to police, 18 people have been rescued, including two caretakers and a security guard. Most of them trapped inside were fire personnel. Two of them are said to be critical.
