At least four workers died and two were injured when a fire broke out in a shoe factory in Delhi’s Mangolpuri industrial area on Friday night, according to police officials. The blaze started in the basement of the manufacturing unit, spreading quickly through the building and trapping employees on upper floors.
Six people were rescued in an unconscious state and rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mangolpuri by emergency responders. Four of the rescued workers were later declared dead at the hospital, while the other two remain under treatment for smoke inhalation and burns, police said.
"Six people were rescued from inside the factory in an unconscious condition and rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mangolpuri," a police official told reporters. "Four were declared dead at the hospital, while the other two are undergoing treatment," the officer added.
Initial investigations by fire officials indicated that the flame ignited in the basement level of the facility. The rapid spread of smoke and heat forced workers towards the exits, but many could not escape before the fire cornered them on higher floors.
Emergency services were dispatched promptly after receiving reports of smoke and heat emanating from the industrial area. Firefighters worked through the night, battling intense flames and ceiling collapses while attempting to ventilate the building and prevent further structural damage.
The factory, located on a well‑known industrial corridor, had reportedly been operating under a standard safety regime for several years. However, the investigators have not yet identified a specific trigger for the blaze, citing the need for a thorough forensic examination.
Police have ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The investigation will examine electrical wiring, fire suppression systems, and any possible negligence in the handling of flammable materials.
An official from the Delhi Police’s Criminal Investigation Department stated that they are coordinating with local fire authorities and manufacturers’ representatives to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
The Delhi Metropolitan Transport Police also provided assistance, noting that traffic was diverted to allow emergency vehicles access to the site. He emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness among small factories.
In the days following the incident, local community groups organized vigils at the site, with workers’ families gathering to pay tribute to the deceased. A makeshift memorial was erected near the factory’s perimeter, featuring candles and flowers donated by nearby residents.
For the injured workers, the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit is monitoring their conditions closely. The hospital’s chief medical officer mentioned that both injured employees have suffered severe burns on their limbs and faces, but are responding to treatment.
Suppliers to the factory expressed concerns about potential supply chain disruptions. One representative noted that the loss of production capacity could delay deliveries to regional retailers scheduled for the upcoming holiday season.
City officials also raised questions about building compliance in the Mangolpuri area. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has requested a review of fire safety certifications for all factories within the industrial zone, citing the increasing number of incidents related to overcrowded facilities and outdated infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Fire Services Department announced plans to conduct a series of safety drills across industrial premises in the next fortnight, aiming to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
Governments at the state and national levels have also taken notice. A minister from the Ministry of Labour has pledged an investigation into factory safety standards and expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Analysis of the preliminary footage captured by nearby security cameras shows the fire spreading from a lower‑level storage area. The footage, reviewed by investigators, suggests that a possible electrical fault may have ignited combustible materials stored in the basement.
Mechanical engineers involved in the investigation reported that the factory’s fire suppression system was not operational at the time of the blaze, complicating efforts to control the spread.
In the coming weeks, authorities will likely release the full report detailing the investigation’s findings, potentially prompting regulatory changes and stricter enforcement of industrial fire safety regulations in Delhi’s economic hubs.
As the investigation continues, families, workers, and city officials await answers that may prevent the recurrence of such a devastating incident.