Delhi factory fire: Money can’t compensate for the loss of loved ones

Our readers have their say on the fire in Delhi, the Omani student stabbed in London and Saudi Arabia's relaxed restaurant norms

A fire engine at the site of a fire that swept through a factory where labourers were sleeping in New Delhi, December 8, 2019. Adnan Abidi / Reuters

Regarding Taniya Dutta's article Delhi factory fire: Dozens killed in blaze in city's old quarter (December 8): this was sad to read. The incident had the highest number of causalities in the fires over the last two decades.

The Indian capital Delhi is a busy city and the area where the fire broke out is narrow and crowded, which is why help could not immediately reach the victims.

The probe underway must reveal the causes for the fire and subsequent deaths and the guilty should be punished. If it is proven that fire safety measures were poorly maintained, the factory should be liable to compensate the victims.

But no amount of money can compensate the loss of people who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the victims and for the speedy recovery of those injured.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Oman student killed in UK capital is a tragedy 

In reference to the article, Omani student killed in London was son of business tycoon (December 8): Rest in peace, my brother. Heartfelt condolences to the grieving family

Melanie Rose, Dubai

My deepest sympathies to the family of this young man and sorry this happened to your son in the UK.

Robert Bradley, Abu Dhabi

Not nearly as deadly as our horrible gun problem in the US. Nevertheless it takes one loss to be a tragedy. RIP

Suzanne Arruda, Dubai

Be alert because no city in the world is completely safe

With regard to the article UAE issues warning to Emiratis after London stabbing (December 9): Paris Metro is full of pickpockets too. Be careful. I am French. I was in France last week and still it amazes me how unsafe Paris has become.

Gérald Bau, Abu Dhabi

Men and women in Saudi Arabia can finally eat together in public

With reference to the article Saudi Arabia ends gender segregation in restaurants (December 8): the decision is welcome and overdue.

Asmeralda Maidi, Pretoria North

Funny, well-expressed angst felt by an entire generation

In reference to Rob Garratt's article From the keto diet to man buns: What the 2010s will be remembered for (December 9): I am writing to express my appreciation for this piece. Not only did Mr Garratt's tongue-in-cheek description of the hipster generation leave me in splits, he voiced the silent angst so many of us feel. The drastic changes in our lives were ridiculed in a stupendously entertaining way. Thank you for filing my morning with a good laugh!

Name withheld on request, Dubai