Bahadurgarh factory fire puts spotlight on safety of workers

The death of two migrant labourers in a fire at a footwear component factory in Bahadurgarh town on Thursday has raised serious questions over compliance of fire safety norms in industrial units.

The police have registered a case against Delhi-based factory owner Nitish on the complaint of a relative of the deceased workers.

Jamal Varis of Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh, in his complaint, alleged that the factory owner used to lock the main gate of the unit at night before leaving for home. “I used to speak to my brother Ata Varis over the phone, and he would tell me that the factory owner had locked the main gate of the factory due to which they cannot step out of the premises,” alleged Jamal Varis, who is employed in private sector in Faridabad.

Ata Varis and his cousin Ameerudin of Hardoi were charred to death, while another worker, Mohammad Arif, suffered severe burns after a massive fire broke out at the factory around 4.30 am when the trio were inside the unit. The fire spread rapidly, trapping the workers. Ata Varis and Ameerudin died on the spot, while Mohammad Arif tried to jump into an adjoining factory from roof-top. However, he landed on a tin shed and suffered serious injuries due to the fall. He is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bahadurgarh and his condition is stated to be critical.

“The factory owner may have locked the main gate for security reasons, but from the fire safety perspective this was highly inappropriate, as an accessible exit is essential in case of a fire. The workers were sleeping in the restroom when the fire broke out,” said a police officer.

Meanwhile, Bahadurgarh SDM Abhinav Siwach has ordered a probe into the incident and sought a detailed report from the Fire Officer regarding cause of death. The probe will also ascertain whether all prescribed safety norms were being followed at the factory.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Saini, Fire Officer, Bahadurgarh, said prima facie short-circuit appeared to be the cause behind the incident.

When asked about the enforcement of safety norms at industrial units, Saini said they inspect the premises and verify compliance with all fire safety requirements before issuing a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). “Thereafter, we conduct inspection upon receiving complaints or information regarding non-compliance of safety norms. Recently, notices were issued to over 15 factories, directing them to ensure compliance with fire safety norms to avoid action,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, the MIE police post incharge Sajjan Kumar said the bodies of workers were handed over to their families after post-mortem. There was no significant improvement in the condition of the third worker.