A 50-year-old worker was killed and another suffered critical burn injuries after a massive fire broke out at a steel manufacturing unit in the UPSIDC Phase-3 industrial area of Hapur in the early hours of Thursday, said police.
The fire erupted at M/s Sukh Steels around 4:13 am. Following this, a water bowser from the UPSIDC fire station reached the site, said chief fire officer Ajay Kumar Sharma.
As the fire intensified, two additional fire tenders from Pilkhuwa and three from Hapur were rushed to the spot under the supervision of the station fire officer. Two water bowsers were also requisitioned from Ghaziabad, while the fire services headquarters was informed to coordinate the firefighting operation.
Firefighters surrounded the factory from all sides and brought the blaze under control quickly. After nearly two hours, the fire was contained to Shed No 4, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the factory and minimising damage.
After the fire was extinguished, fire personnel conducted a thorough search and recovered the body of Md Gulfam (50), son of Munfed and a resident of Wangrauli village in Baghpat district, who had been trapped inside.
Another worker, Shavez (30), son of Abdul Kalam and a resident of Dehra village under Dhaulana police station, sustained severe burn injuries in the incident. Police said he had been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
{{/usCountry}}Another worker, Shavez (30), son of Abdul Kalam and a resident of Dehra village under Dhaulana police station, sustained severe burn injuries in the incident. Police said he had been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
{{/usCountry}}Circle officer Munish Chandra said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and is under investigation. Police and fire department officials have inspected the site and are collecting evidence to determine the cause of the blaze. Further legal and departmental action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.
CFO Ajay Sharma said the preliminary investigation suggests that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. However, the exact cause will be established after a detailed inquiry.