Key Takeaways
Amazon Under Fire for Unsafe Warehouse Conditions in India
- Two workers died in a June 5 fire at an M&M Logistics Solutions warehouse in Haldwani, Uttarakhand
- The facility allegedly lacked fire safety clearance, alarms, smoke detectors, and proper emergency exits
- Amazon says it will take 'appropriate action' after the police investigation concludes
Two workers died trapped inside an Amazon delivery partner's warehouse in Uttarakhand last month. Now Amazon India is conducting an internal investigation and says it will take "appropriate action" once police complete their inquiry. The facility, run by M&M Logistics Solutions in Haldwani, allegedly had no valid fire safety clearance, no fire alarms, no smoke detectors, and no proper emergency exit.
The fire broke out on June 5. M&M Logistics Solutions operates 45 Amazon delivery centers across 21 cities in northern India, according to Amazon's own earlier statements. That footprint makes the safety failures here a broader concern for Amazon's supply chain oversight.
What the Amazon India Workers Union is demanding
The Amazon India Workers Union called for a judicial inquiry into the deaths. In a post on X, the union described the incident as a "grave failure of workplace safety and protection of human dignity." The union specifically noted that the two workers died trapped inside the warehouse with no emergency exit available.
Amazon issued a brief statement to Reuters: "We will take appropriate action in line with our policies once the investigation is complete." The company declined to elaborate. M&M Logistics Solutions has not responded publicly, and Uttarakhand police have not commented.
A pattern of safety concerns
This is not Amazon India's first brush with workplace safety scrutiny. Last year, the National Human Rights Commission sought a response from the company over allegations of labor law violations at one of its Delhi warehouses during severe heat. The state government later initiated legal action under labor laws.
Amazon does have a Seller Code of Conduct requiring vendors to maintain safe working conditions. The policy states that contractors can face suspension or termination for violating safety standards. The question now is whether those policies were enforced, and whether Amazon audited M&M Logistics Solutions' fire safety compliance.
Ecommerce warehouse fires are becoming a trend
The Haldwani incident adds to a troubling series of warehouse fires in India's ecommerce and logistics sector. In January, three employees of Wow! Momo died after a fire spread from a neighboring warehouse to its Kolkata facility. The Calcutta High Court took suo motu cognizance of that incident, and West Bengal Police arrested the warehouse manager and deputy manager for alleged negligence.
A month later, pet care startup Supertails lost its entire inventory when a fire at a neighboring perfume warehouse in Bengaluru spread to its storage facility. No employees were injured, but the company had to cancel its flagship sale and relocate operations entirely.
These incidents point to a systemic problem. India's ecommerce sector has grown faster than the infrastructure and safety standards meant to support it. Third-party logistics partners often operate out of repurposed industrial buildings or commercial spaces that may not meet fire codes. Enforcement is inconsistent.
Third-party logistics and the accountability gap
Amazon's business model relies heavily on delivery service partners for last-mile logistics. This keeps costs down and allows rapid scaling, but it also creates distance between the company and on-the-ground conditions. When something goes wrong at a partner facility, the question of accountability becomes murky.
The company can point to its policies. Critics can point to the lack of enforcement. Workers are caught in the middle.
M&M Logistics Solutions operates nearly four dozen Amazon delivery centers. If one of those centers was operating without basic fire safety infrastructure, what does that say about oversight at the others? Amazon's internal investigation may answer that question. Or it may not.
Logicity's Take
For fintech and finance teams evaluating exposure to India's logistics sector, this incident is a reminder that supply chain risk includes physical infrastructure risk. Fast-growing third-party logistics providers may cut corners on safety to keep costs competitive. Due diligence on logistics partners should include fire safety compliance audits, not just delivery metrics. Insurance underwriters may also start pricing warehouse fire risk more aggressively for ecommerce-linked facilities in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many workers died in the Amazon India warehouse fire?
Two workers died in the fire at the M&M Logistics Solutions warehouse in Haldwani, Uttarakhand on June 5.
What safety violations were alleged at the warehouse?
The building allegedly lacked a valid fire safety clearance, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and a proper emergency exit.
What action is Amazon taking?
Amazon India launched an internal investigation and said it will take appropriate action against M&M Logistics Solutions after the police investigation is completed.
How many delivery centers does M&M Logistics Solutions operate for Amazon?
M&M Logistics Solutions operates 45 Amazon delivery centers across 21 cities in northern India.
Has Amazon India faced safety complaints before?
Yes. Last year, the National Human Rights Commission sought a response from Amazon over allegations of labor law violations during severe heat at a Delhi warehouse.
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Source: Inc42 Media / Lokesh Choudhary
Manaal Khan
Tech & Innovation Writer
Produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the Logicity editorial team. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
