Four people were killed and two others are critically injured after a devastating fire tore through a shoe factory in Delhi's Mangolpuri Industrial Area late on Friday, 31 October 2025. The blaze, which broke out around 9:30 pm in the basement of the factory located in Phase 1 of the industrial zone, prompted a large-scale emergency response involving Delhi Police, fire services, and ambulance crews.

How the Night Unfolded

Emergency services were alerted shortly after the fire ignited. Central Accident and Trauma Service (CATS) personnel Rakesh Bhardwaj confirmed that his team received the distress call at 9:50 pm and that all five stationed ambulances reached the site within five to seven minutes. Fire tender teams worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control, during which six individuals were pulled out from inside the factory, all found unconscious.

Casualty and Medical Response

All six rescued persons were rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. Four of them were declared brought dead on arrival, while the remaining two are currently undergoing treatment for serious injuries. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released pending family notification, according to officials.

What the Police Said

Phase-I DCP (Outer District) Vikram Singh addressed reporters at the scene, confirming the sequence of events. "Police received information regarding a fire outbreak at a shoe factory. Our beat staff and team immediately reached the spot as first responders. As soon as the fire tenders arrived, the rescue operation was initiated," he said.

Singh added that the cause of the fire remains undetermined. "The reason behind the fire is still unclear, and we are investigating what might have led to the fire. So far, we only know that the fire broke out in the basement. The reason will only be clear after an investigation," he told reporters. He also stated that legal proceedings have been initiated and that the accused will be apprehended soon, signalling that authorities are treating the circumstances with criminal scrutiny.

Investigation Underway

This comes amid recurring concerns about fire safety compliance in Delhi's densely packed industrial zones, where factories — particularly in the garment and footwear sectors — have historically operated in cramped basement spaces with limited fire exits. Notably, several fatal factory fires in the capital over recent years have pointed to systemic enforcement gaps. Officials have confirmed that a detailed probe is underway, and further details are awaited. The injured remain under medical care at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital.