Four Dead in Delhi Factory Fire Incident

New Delhi: A devastating fire broke out Tuesday evening near Rithala Metro Station in northwest Delhi, claiming the lives of four individuals inside a polythene manufacturing factory. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local industrial area and raised serious concerns over fire safety compliance in small scale factories.

According to initial reports, the fire started around 5:30 PM, when workers inside the unit were still on duty. Witnesses said the flames spread rapidly due to the highly flammable plastic and polythene materials stored within the premises.

Fire department officials said that they received the emergency call shortly after the fire began and immediately dispatched multiple fire tenders to the scene. The blaze was intense and quickly consumed the factory. Our teams took nearly two hours to bring it under control, said an officer on site. After the flames were doused, firefighters discovered the charred remains of four individuals, who are believed to be factory workers. Identification of the deceased is still underway, as their bodies were severely burnt.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be an electrical short circuit, but officials have not ruled out negligence in handling flammable materials. A full investigation has been launched. Locals and neighboring shopkeepers expressed grief and anger over the tragedy. We’ve raised concerns about the safety standards in these factories before. There are no proper exits, no alarms  nothing,  said Ramesh, a nearby warehouse owner.

This incident brings back memories of previous industrial accidents in Delhi, including the Anaj Mandi fire in 2019, which claimed over 40 lives. Fire safety in the capital’s unregulated industrial hubs remains a persistent issue.

Authorities have sealed the factory premises and are reviewing other nearby units for fire code violations. Delhi Fire Service has also issued an advisory to all industrial units, urging them to ensure proper fire equipment, exit routes, and material storage protocols.

Families of the deceased have been informed, and compensation announcements are expected soon. Meanwhile, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder that plastic-based industries must follow stricter safety norms to prevent such disasters in the future.