New Delhi: At least 26 people died after a major fire broke out in a building near Mundka metro station in west Delhi on Friday (May 13). Around 24 fire tenders were pressed into service.  The fire department officials received information about the blaze at 4.40 pm, PTI reported. According to the fire department officials, the blaze broke out in a building near pillar number 544, Mundka metro station. DCP Sameer Sharma, Outer District informed that 50 were rescued while 26 died in the fire. “Fire fighting operation has been concluded. Rescue operation continues, it will take time given the vastness of the area,” said Sunil Choudhary, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Delhi Fire Service. 


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The Delhi police said that at least 10 were injured in the fire. Earlier, the Delhi police had confirmed that one woman was charred to death in the blaze. Her identity is yet to be ascertained, the police said. 



The Mundka metro station falls on the Green Line of the Delhi Metro. 



As per the preliminary inquiry, the flames erupted in a three-storey commercial building that provides office space for companies, the police said. “The fire initiated from the first floor of the building which is an office of CCTV cameras and router manufacturing company,” ANI quoted the Delhi police as saying. The owner of the company is in police custody, they added. The fire brigades present at the spot are trying to douse the flames, the police said. 



The Delhi police said nine fire brigades were at the spot and ambulance was also been ushered in to provide immediate medical assistance to the victims. 


Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. "Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the fire in Delhi. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," PMO India cited Modi as saying. 



Union Home Minister Amit Shah said NDRF will soon reach the spot to assist in the rescue operations. “The incident of fire in Delhi's Mundka is very sad. I am in constant touch with the concerned officials, the administration is engaged in relief and rescue work. NDRF is also reaching there soon. Our priority is to evacuate people and provide immediate treatment to the injured,” he tweeted in Hindi. 



President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the deaths in the west Delhi fire accident and tweeted, "Distressed by the tragic fire accident at a building near Mundka Metro Station in Delhi. My condolences to the bereaved families. I wish for speedy recovery of the injured." 


Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier tweeted that he is "shocked and pained" to know about the incident, adding that he is constantly in touch with the officers. 


(With agency inputs)


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