Two Scrap Dealers Killed, Three Injured in Early Morning Delhi Fire
A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday in Pitampura village, located in outer Delhi. The blaze resulted in the tragic deaths of two scrap dealers and left three others with serious injuries. Police confirmed the incident, highlighting the dangerous living conditions that contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
Victims Identified as Migrant Workers from Bihar
The deceased have been identified as Biresh Kumar, aged 28, and Satish Kumar, aged 35. Both men were residents of Nalanda district in Bihar, working as scrap dealers in Delhi. The injured individuals include Biresh's brother, who managed to escape the fire but suffered burn injuries. All three injured persons are currently undergoing medical treatment at local hospitals.
Fire Originated in Temporary Tin-Shed Shelters
Officials from the Delhi Fire Service stated they received an emergency call around 1:25 am. The fire originated near a residential building where the scrap dealers had erected temporary tin-shed shacks. These shelters were set up on an open plot adjacent to Vikas Niketan Society.
Police investigators revealed the area was surrounded by highly flammable materials. Cardboard boxes, cartons, and other scrap items littered the site, creating a tinderbox environment. According to initial reports, the scrap dealers had lit an open fire to keep warm during the cold winter night. They later fell asleep, allowing the flames to spread uncontrollably.
Intoxication May Have Hindered Escape Attempts
While some occupants managed to flee the inferno, Biresh and Satish were unable to escape. Police suggested that intoxication might have played a role in their inability to react quickly. One of the injured survivors, identified as Dinesh, told authorities he tried to rescue the two men but was forced to retreat due to the intense heat and flames.
Massive Firefighting Operation Deployed
The Delhi Fire Service launched a significant response to control the blaze. Nine fire tenders and approximately 45 firefighters were deployed to the scene. The fire engulfed an area of about 1,000 square feet, causing extensive damage. Several nearby vehicles were also damaged in the incident.
During the firefighting efforts, a 14-kilogram gas cylinder exploded, intensifying the blaze. Several smaller cylinders also caught fire, adding to the danger. Authorities noted a delay in alerting emergency services after the fire initially broke out, which may have exacerbated the situation.
Land Dispute and Legal Action
Police mentioned that the plot owner, who resides elsewhere, is reportedly involved in a land dispute with the residents of the temporary shacks. This context adds a layer of complexity to the tragic event. A case has been registered at the Rani Bagh police station under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to causing death by negligence.
Separate Fire Incident in Narela Industrial Area
In a separate incident earlier on Tuesday, a fire broke out at a three-storey plastic manufacturing factory in the Narela Industrial Area. The Delhi Fire Service received a call around 7:15 am and deployed 20 fire tenders to the site. Firefighters successfully brought the fire under control by 10:50 am. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in this industrial blaze.
The Pitampura fire underscores the perilous living conditions faced by many migrant workers in urban areas. The combination of flammable materials, open heating sources, and delayed emergency response led to a preventable tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
