This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
On December 8, 2019, a devastating factory fire swept through a four or five-storey building in New Delhi's old quarter, claiming the lives of at least 43 people.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours, was extinguished but rescue operations were ongoing, with at least 58 people rescued, including labourers and factory workers who were sleeping inside the building.
"We have since rescued at least 50 people," Sunil Choudhary, New Delhi's deputy chief fire officer, told AFP.
Fire officials said it was very difficult to access the dark, poorly lit premises in the commercial hub of Sadar Bazar, where the building was filled with school bags and packing material.
Monika Bhardwaj, the deputy police commissioner of Delhi's north district, said the death toll from the incident had jumped to 43, with 16 others still admitted at local hospitals.
"Fire department has completed the rescue work. There are no more bodies at the site. We don't yet know the cause of fire but know that it was aggravated because of plastic packing pouches, bags and other such material there," Bhardwaj added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed their condolences and wished the injured a quick recovery.
