Faridabad industrial fire kills 4, including firefighter and policeman

The death toll in the Faridabad industrial fire climbed to four after a firefighter and a police officer died during treatment in Delhi. Authorities confirmed the latest deaths on Saturday. The tragedy unfolded in the Mujesar industrial area earlier this week.

First, a massive blaze ripped through an industrial unit on Monday evening. Sparks from a steel-cutting machine fell into chemical drums. Those sparks triggered a powerful explosion. Soon after, multiple blasts followed. Around 20 to 25 drums stood close to each other. The fire spread within minutes.

As a result, flames engulfed the entire unit of Kalkaji Lubricants. The blaze also damaged a section of the adjoining factory. Moreover, parked vehicles within a 100-metre radius caught fire. Several cars and two-wheelers turned into charred shells.

Firefighter Bhuvi Chand, 45, fought the flames from the front line. He served at the NIT fire station. He suffered severe burn injuries during the operation on February 16. Doctors at Safdarjung Hospital treated him for days. However, his condition worsened. He required ventilator support on Thursday morning. He died between 2.30 pm and 3 pm on Friday.

Meanwhile, his colleague Ranvir continues to battle for life. Doctors keep him on ventilator support. Officials describe his condition as critical.

In addition, Sub-Inspector Ravi Chand also lost his life. He served at the Mujesar police station. He sustained serious burn injuries during the incident. Doctors at Safdarjung Hospital treated him. However, he succumbed to his injuries around 7.30 am on Saturday. He hailed from Kyodak village in Kaithal district of Uttar Pradesh.

Earlier, two other injured men died in Delhi. Doctors at AIIMS treated them for severe burns. Abhishek Monga, 35, lived in Sector 23. He co-owned Kalkaji Lubricant Trading Company. Pradeep Kumar, also 35, lived in Sanjay Colony. Neighbours claimed Kumar worked with Monga. However, police continue to verify his official role with the company.

Furthermore, police registered an FIR at Mujesar police station. Officers named the owners and managers of both industrial units. They filed charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous means. Investigators now examine safety practices and storage conditions at the site.

According to police findings, workers used a machine to cut steel plates when the incident began. Sparks flew into chemical drums. The chemicals ignited instantly. Then, a chain of explosions intensified the fire. The close storage of multiple drums increased the damage.

Kalkaji Lubricants operates as a small-scale manufacturer. The firm produces and supplies automotive and industrial lubricants. It trades various oils and related products in the market.

Now, authorities focus on accountability. Officials promise compensation to the families of the deceased firefighter and police officer under state policy. The police department will also extend benefits meant for personnel who die on duty.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to assess the full extent of losses. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about industrial safety norms in densely packed manufacturing zones.