The Delhi Mangolpuri factory fire has killed four workers and left two others seriously injured, according to a report by Jagran, devastating families who depended on the men for medical treatment, childcare and household expenses. The fire broke out on Friday night at a shoe factory in the Mangolpuri industrial area of outer Delhi.
Among those who died was Premchand, who had worked at the factory for about 20 years. His wife, Neelam Devi, is undergoing cancer treatment, while the couple has one son and two daughters. According to the report, Premchand had been working to support his wife’s treatment and provide for the children’s education and daily needs.
His daughter-in-law, Anshu, said the family now faces uncertainty over medical expenses and routine household costs. Premchand was reportedly unable to escape after becoming trapped in the flames despite efforts to get out.
Ashok, from Milkypar village in Bihar’s Nalanda district, was also among those killed. He had been brought to Delhi 16 years ago by his maternal uncle, Umesh, who helped him find work at the factory. Ashok’s cousin Vikas, who joined him in Delhi about one and a half to two months ago, was seriously injured and was reported to be fighting for his life.
Ashok’s wife is pregnant and the couple has two children. Vikas is also married and has two young children. The family had been preparing to return to their village for Chhath, but the fire ended those plans. The report did not provide further details on the condition or treatment of the injured workers.
The other deceased workers were identified as Harihar and Lalbabu. Harihar had worked at the factory for around 20 years and handled a packing contract. He leaves behind three children. Lalbabu, who came from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, had worked at the factory for approximately 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
The workers came from different parts of north India, including Madhubani in Bihar, Nalanda in Bihar, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh and Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh. Their deaths have left several households without their principal earners and exposed the wider dependence of migrant workers’ families on employment in Delhi’s industrial areas.
The report did not specify the cause of the fire, the factory’s safety arrangements, the number of workers present when the incident occurred, or whether any official inquiry or compensation process had been announced. Those details will be important in establishing how the fire spread, whether emergency exits and other safety systems were available, and what institutional action follows.
For now, the immediate impact is being felt by families dealing with deaths, serious injuries, medical costs and the loss of regular income. Further official information on the investigation, the injured workers’ condition and assistance to the affected families remains awaited.
