A building near the Mundka metro station in West Delhi caught fire on Friday, 13 May, killing at least 27 people. The Delhi Police, the fire department, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are carrying out rescue exercises and have rescued 50 people so far.
The police have arrested two people, Harish Goel and Varun Goel, who are the owners of the company whose shop caught fire and are attempting to arrest the building's owner Manish Lakra, who is absconding.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced via Twitter that the kin of those who lost their lives to the fire will receive Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), while those injured will receive Rs 50,000.
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 : PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 13, 2022
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed that he was "shocked and pained" to learn about the tragedy, adding that he was constantly in touch with officers on site. After reaching the site with Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured.
Shocked and pained to know abt this tragic incident. I am constantly in touch wid officers. Our brave firemen are trying their best to control the fire and save lives. God bless all. https://t.co/qmL43Qbd88
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 13, 2022
Kejriwal said that he had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragic fire, adding that a help desk had been set up, which was working to contact relatives of the victims.
Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind noted his distress over the "tragic fire accident" in a tweet, wishing for a speedy recovery for the injured.
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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 13, 2022
