Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, May 24: A major fire engulfed a plastic bottle manufacturing unit in Delhi’s Bawana industrial area in the early hours of Saturday, leading to a powerful explosion and the eventual collapse of the building, officials from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) confirmed.

According to DFS chief Atul Garg, the fire control room received a distress call at 4:48 am from Sector 2, Bawana, reporting flames at the multi-storey factory premises. "Seventeen fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the location," he said.

Eyewitnesses reported thick black plumes of smoke rising into the sky as the fire spread rapidly across the building. Moments later, a loud explosion rocked the area, reducing the structure to rubble and sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood.

Panic gripped nearby residents who rushed out of their homes fearing additional explosions. "The blast was so loud, it felt like an earthquake. We were terrified and ran out immediately," said one local resident.

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. Rescue and fire containment efforts, however, were hindered by widespread debris scattered across the site.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and the subsequent explosion. The structural safety of the collapsed building and compliance with industrial safety norms are also under scrutiny.

Efforts are ongoing to completely douse the flames and clear the rubble as officials continue to monitor the situation.