A fire broke out on February 15 at an illegal paint factory in Delhi, resulting in the deaths of eleven people and severe injuries to others.
The fire began with a blast at Om Sons Paint and Chemicals, an illegal paints manufacturing factory. Flammable materials caused the fire to intensify and spread to houses and shops within a 15-meter radius.
The factory had poor safety measures, including a tin roof and only one locked entry and exit gate.
Despite complaints from neighbours about hazardous materials stored at the facility, no action was taken.
With no proper worker representation at the factory there’s little or no information available about its workforce and clients.
Authorities have acknowledged the factory's illegal operation and are investigating, reportedly planning an audit of other factories in the area.
This incident echoes a similar May 2022 disaster where inadequate fire safety measures in another Delhi factory led to the deaths of 27 people.
The Delhi chief minister has announced compensation for the victims' families and injured individuals.
Source: IndustriALL 20 February