Updates: 43 Dead In Delhi Luggage Factory Fire, Owner Arrested

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has condoled the loss of lives in the incident. "Deeply pained by the loss of many precious lives due to fire in Delhi. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Mr Singh. 

"I do not wish to indulge in politics but there must be an investigation into the incident. Someone has to take responsibility, it is a tragic incident."

Rehan, the owner of the building against whom a case has been registered under section 304 IPC, is currently absconding.

Case registered under section 304 (Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code against owner of the building.

"It is a very sad incident. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into it. Compensation Rs 10 lakhs each to be given to families of those dead and Rs 1 lakh each to those injured. The expense of medical treatment of those injured to be borne by the government."

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has expressed deep shock. Expressing her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of over four dozen deceased in the tragic accident, Mrs Gandhi hoped that maximum lives will be saved and those injured are treated expeditiously, said a Congress press release. She urged upon the authorities of central and state governments to provide every assistance to victims and their families. Congress chief has also asked Congress leaders and workers to assist the authorities in every manner possible.

Extremely sad to hear the tragic news about fire in Delhi's Anaz Mandi. My thoughts and prayers are with affected families. Wishing an early recovery to those injured. The local authorities are doing their best to rescue people and provide help.

"I am saddened by the news of deaths in Delhi's Anaj Mandi. I offer my condolences to the family of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured." 

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has asked his partymen to reach the spot and help in the rescue operations. 

"I am deeply sadenned by the loss of lives due to fire at Anaj Mandi road. I express my condolences to the familes  of the victims. I am reaching there. I have asked party workers to reach there and help people."

A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrives at the incident spot. 43 people have lost their lives in the fire incident. 

"The fire in Delhi's Anaj Mandi on Rani Jhansi Road is extremely horrific. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. Wishing the injured a quick recovery. Authorities are providing all possible assistance at the site of the tragedy."

"Tragic loss of precious lives in the fire accident in New Delhi. My deepest condolences with families of those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the early recovery of the injured.

Have instructed concerned authorities to provide all possible assistance on urgent basis."

30 Fire Trucks At The Spot

The cause of the fire is not known, officials said, adding that over 50 people were inside the factory when the fire broke out, they said. Thirty fire trucks are at the site and have taken the situation under control.

"V v tragic news. Rescue operations going on. Firemen doing their best. Injured are being taken to hospitals."

"Till now we have rescued more than 50 people, most of them were affected due to smoke."