Fire breaks out in Delhi building, 16 dead and 30 injured

A fire broke out at a three-storey building in west Delhi. So far, 16 bodies have been recovered.

Officials said one floor of the commercial building near Mundka metro station is yet to be searched. 30 people sustained burns in the incident. Police said around 60-70 people have been rescued from the building. They are being treated at the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital

The massive fire was first spotted near pillar 544 of the metro station at 4.40 PM Initially 10 firefighters were sent to the site. Later, another 14 were sent to bring the fire under control.

Fire department officials said more people are feared to be trapped in the building and a rescue operation is underway. Sameer Sharma, DCP of Outer district, said the fire has spread to two floors, reported ANI.

A preliminary inquiry of the police found that the building was typically used for commercial purposes like providing office space for companies. The fire is suspected to have started from the 1st floor of the building which is an office of a company manufacturing CCTV cameras and routers, said Delhi Police.

Police have taken the owner of the firm into custody, reported The Hindustan Times. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

President Ram Nath Kovind offered condolences to the bereaved families. He tweeted that he is distressed by the tragic accident. "I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured".