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At least 43 people were killed on Sunday morning, December 8, in a factory fire in New Delhi, India. The balance sheet could get heavier. The precise causes of the tragedy are not yet known.
With our correspondent in New Delhi, Carole Dieterich
It was around 5 am when the fire broke out in this factory located in an old district of New Delhi . The fire surprised the workers who were still sleeping at that hour inside the multi-storey building. In India, it is common to see the poorest workers from other parts of the country sleep at their place of work to save some money.
Most of the victims of this tragedy were sleeping and died of asphyxiation, according to the first statements of the police. Several dozens of people were able to leave the building. The wounded were transported to various hospitals in the capital and the toll could still increase.
Causes of the fire still unknown
In this district of New Delhi, the aisles are narrow, often congested, which has complicated access to the building for rescuers. The causes of the fire are not yet known. Inside the factory were many bags and plastic packaging, which accelerated the spread of fire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the fire as " particularly atrocious ". " My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, " he added on Twitter.
The fire in Delhi's Anaj Mandi on Rani Jhansi Road is extremely horrific. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. Wishing the injured a quick recovery. Authorities are providing all possible assistance at the site of the tragedy.
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2019Industrial accidents and accidents at work are extremely common in India. According to a study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) , one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country, an average of 48,000 people die each year in their workplace.
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