Dozens of people have been killed after a fire at a four-story commercial building on the outskirts of the Indian capital Delhi.
At least 27 people have died after a fire at a building – mainly a shop – in Mundkha, with 12 people burned and 50 evacuated, according to The Press Trust of India.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly five hours, with 27 fire engines involved.
The building mainly houses shops. Pic AP
According to the fire control room, a search operation is continuing to look for anyone trapped in the rubble.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Indian President Ram Nath Kovid said on Twitter: “Grieve over the tragic fire accident at a building near Mundka metro station in Delhi.
“My deepest condolences to the bereaved. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life.
Fires are extremely common in India, with building safety laws frequently introduced by builders and residents.
According to Delhi Fire Department Chief Atul Garg, the building does not have a fire authority permit and it is not equipped with fire safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher.
The casualties occurred on the second floor of the building, which houses combustible plastic materials used to manufacture devices such as security cameras.
Two owners of the security camera company were arrested for questioning when the fire allegedly started in their offices, The Indian Express reported.
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There was no immediate police confirmation.
In 2019, a fire caused by an electrical short engulfed a building in New Delhi and killed 43 people.
