Delhi Bawana Suffers Second Factory Fire, Exposes Safety Neglect Nationwide
A massive fire broke out at a plastic granule manufacturing unit in Delhi’s Bawana industrial area early Friday, marking the second such incident in a week. Though no casualties were reported, the factory was gutted, with significant material and machinery losses. The incident raises urgent concerns over fire safety, flammable stockpiles, and poor infrastructure across Delhi’s industrial clusters.
The fire began at around 4:15 am, prompting the swift deployment of 25 fire tenders and nearly 150 firefighters. The team battled flames for over five hours, successfully dousing the major blaze by 9 am, although flare-ups persisted. Poor visibility, extreme heat, and combustible materials scattered across the premises delayed the operation. Officials confirmed the fire had spread rapidly, intensified by the nature of the plastic materials stored inside.
The affected factory, spread across 300 square yards, included a basement, ground, and first floor—all consumed by the fire. Officials stated that flammable granules blocked access points, especially as the single staircase was also obstructed. The firefighting team faced significant hurdles in navigating the structure, which lacked proper exits and safety clearances. Workers were reportedly not present at the time, preventing a larger disaster, but the structural damage was extensive.
The facility’s ventilation was minimal, with only small windows on the top floor. This made it difficult to locate the fire source or let smoke escape, further complicating firefighting efforts. Experts raised concerns over such hazardous setups that defy fire safety norms. They warned that without active enforcement of safety codes, factories dealing in flammable substances remain vulnerable to repeat incidents, especially in densely packed industrial belts like Bawana.
Though there were no reported deaths, losses include essential machinery, raw material stock, and manufactured goods. Authorities have launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the blaze. This incident follows a fatal factory fire in Rohini earlier in the week, underlining systemic safety gaps. Stakeholders have called for stricter inspections, improved building codes, and accountability in Delhi’s expanding manufacturing zones where such fires are becoming increasingly common.
The second factory fire within days has brought industrial safety in Delhi under scrutiny once again. As flammable materials continue to be stored in poorly ventilated, non-compliant structures, experts urge stricter enforcement of safety laws. The Bawana fire, though without casualties, has highlighted how fragile the line is between minor accidents and major tragedies in urban industrial zones.
