Firefighters have rushed to save colleagues who became trapped under rubble after an explosion partially destroyed a factory building in Delhi.

A 27-year-old firefighter died under the debris, authorities confirmed. The man had “fought bravely to save lives of many people,” Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said. “I salute his bravery.”

Deeply anguished over news of death of fire operator Amit Balyan Amit along with his team members fought bravely to save lives of many people. I salute his braveryMy sincere condolences to his family members. All possible assistance to be extended to the injured &bereaved family — LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) 2 января 2020 г.

A fire broke out at a battery factory in Delhi’s Peera Garhi district on Thursday morning. Firefighters responded to a distress call around 4:30am local time, with several brigades arriving at the scene.

35 fire tenders are trying to control the #fire; several workers and fire personnel trapped inside as portion of building collapses https://t.co/dJTCeh36nl#Peeragarhi Video: @Sushil_Verma9pic.twitter.com/46nL3hwDQd — The Hindu - Delhi (@THNewDelhi) January 2, 2020

A powerful blast then occurred inside the two-story building, partially bringing down the structure and trapping several people, including firefighters, under the rubble. More fire brigades along with heavy machinery had to be called in to clear the debris.

#Peeragarhi factory fire | Rescue operation by NDRF and fire brigade personnel underway. Thirty-five fire engines are at the site.(Photos: ANI) pic.twitter.com/z9iEhQzG8Z — NDTV (@ndtv) January 2, 2020

Overall, 13 firefighters and one civilian were injured, the Times of India reported, citing officials.

Also on rt.com At least 43 killed as massive blaze rips through factory building in New Delhi

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