17 killed, 30 injured in massive fire in Delhi warehouse: Official (Lead)

New Delhi Jan 20 (IANS) As many as 17 persons were burnt alive or asphyxiated and 30 others injured on Saturday in a massive fire in a plastic warehouse in west Delhi s Bawana area a Delhi Fire Services officer said.

"Seventeen bodies have been taken out from the godown (warehouse). As many as 30 persons including some women have reportedly sustained burn injuries. Some others are still feared trapped inside " he said adding that the condition of four persons is critical.

The officer said the fire in Bawana industrial area was reported to the control room around 6.20 p.m. following which 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The fire was doused after three hours.

"Police as well as fire brigade and ambulances were rushed to F-83 in Sector 5 of Bawana industrial area. The cause of the fire is not yet known " Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Gupta said.

A man who jumped from the second floor of the building in a bid to save himself later succumbed to injuries at a hospital. The victims were trapped in the basement first and second floors when the fire spread from the basement to the floors above the officer said.

The bodies have been kept in mortuary for identification. Relatives of some of the dead and the injured have been informed he added.

--IANS
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