Major Industrial Fire Erupts at Noida Factory, Injuring Dozens
A significant fire broke out early Thursday morning at a power meter manufacturing facility in Noida Phase 1, causing widespread panic among workers and resulting in injuries to at least 38 individuals. The incident occurred at Capital Power Systems Limited, located at B-40 in Sector 4, around 5:30 AM when approximately 350 employees were present on the premises.
Cause and Escalation of the Blaze
Preliminary investigations by authorities indicate that the fire originated from a short circuit. The flames rapidly intensified due to the presence of cardboard boxes stored nearby, which acted as fuel. Furthermore, plastic granules stored in the basement contributed to the fire's severity, causing it to burn persistently until late evening.
Umesh Kumar, an employee residing in Sector 2, described the chaotic scene: "The fire started on the ground floor, and panic immediately gripped everyone. People rushed toward the stairwells to save themselves, but the stairs were quickly engulfed in thick smoke."
Injuries and Rescue Operations
Most of the injuries were sustained as workers attempted to escape the building. Trapped by smoke-filled staircases, many resorted to jumping from third and fourth-floor windows. Others lowered themselves by hanging from window sills or jumped with assistance from passersby and firefighters. Due to the considerable height, 37 employees suffered injuries to their limbs and heads. Notably, none of the injured sustained burns; all injuries were related to escape attempts.
In addition to the workers, a firefighter lost consciousness after inhaling excessive smoke during the rescue efforts, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by emergency responders.
Emergency Response and Medical Care
Police and fire teams arrived at the site at 5:41 AM. Fire tenders from five districts were dispatched, and ladders were positioned against a neighboring rooftop, factory windows, and balconies to facilitate rescues. Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Rajiv Narayan Mishra stated, "With many people inside the factory, our primary focus was on rescue operations. Firefighters broke glass windows to help people escape. Continuous smoke necessitated the use of over 20 fire tenders."
A fleet of 23 ambulances transported the injured to the district hospital in Sector 39. Among those treated, two individuals were referred to an advanced medical center in Delhi for further care. Twenty-six people were discharged after receiving treatment, while 10 remain admitted to the district hospital. Mishra confirmed that most of the injured are out of danger, though some who inhaled significant smoke are being monitored in intensive care units.
Official Visits and Ongoing Investigation
Later in the day, District Magistrate Medha Roopam, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Narendra Kumar, Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Ajay Rana, and other senior officials visited the Sector 39 hospital to meet with the injured and assess the situation. The investigation into the exact cause and potential safety lapses continues as authorities work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
