New Delhi: At least nine people, including three children, were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out in a four-storey building in the Palam area of Delhi on Wednesday morning. Authorities said the blaze caused extensive damage and trapped several residents inside the building before rescue teams arrived.
The fire department received the first alert at around 7 am, following which emergency services rushed to the scene to control the blaze and rescue those trapped inside.
Officials confirmed that more than 10 people were rescued from the building and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Fire breaks out in mixed-use building
Initial reports suggest that the fire started in a four-storey structure that housed both commercial establishments and residential units.
According to authorities, the basement, ground floor and first floor of the building were used for clothing and cosmetic stores, while the upper floors were occupied by families as residential spaces.
Preliminary findings indicate that a short circuit may have triggered the fire, though officials said the exact cause will be confirmed only after a detailed investigation.
The blaze spread rapidly through the building, making it difficult for occupants to escape.
Residents trapped as exit route blocked
Several residents were trapped inside the building as flames and thick smoke quickly engulfed the structure.
Reports indicate that the only exit route of the building was blocked by the fire, leaving many occupants stranded inside.
In a desperate attempt to escape, some people reportedly jumped from the building, sustaining injuries.
Emergency responders later evacuated those who were still trapped inside.
Authorities said the situation was particularly challenging due to the intensity of the fire and the number of people inside the building at the time.
Large-scale rescue operation
A major rescue operation was launched soon after the incident was reported.
Around 20 fire tenders were deployed to the site to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
Apart from the Delhi Fire Service, personnel from BSES, the Indian Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also assisted in the rescue and relief efforts.
Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the flames under control while search teams combed through the building to locate survivors.
The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies helped rescue several people from the burning structure.
Injured shifted to hospitals
Emergency medical teams were deployed at the site to provide immediate assistance to the injured.
Those rescued from the building were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Officials said many victims suffered burn injuries and smoke inhalation, which required urgent medical care.
Doctors are currently monitoring the condition of the injured, while authorities continue to identify the victims who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Forensic investigation underway
A forensic team has been deployed to examine the site and determine the exact cause of the fire.
Investigators will examine electrical systems, building safety measures and other possible factors that could have contributed to the incident.
Authorities are also expected to review whether the building complied with fire safety regulations, especially since it housed both commercial establishments and residential units.
The investigation will determine if negligence or safety violations played a role in the tragedy.
Prime Minister announces compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
In a message posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister described the incident as deeply saddening and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“The fire incident in Palam, Delhi, is saddening. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he said.
He also announced ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
According to the announcement, the next of kin of each deceased person will receive Rs 2 lakh, while the injured will be provided Rs 50,000 as financial assistance.
Growing concerns over fire safety
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about fire safety compliance in buildings that combine commercial and residential spaces.
Experts say such structures often pose higher risks, particularly if safety norms such as multiple exits, fire alarms and emergency evacuation systems are not strictly implemented.
Urban authorities have repeatedly emphasised the need for regular safety inspections to prevent such incidents.
Conclusion
The devastating fire in Delhi’s Palam area has claimed nine lives, including those of three children, and left several others injured. As rescue teams complete their search operations and investigators examine the cause of the blaze, authorities are expected to focus on identifying safety lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to fire safety regulations in densely populated urban areas.