The death toll from a fire at a multi-storey residential building in Delhi’s Palam area has reached nine, leading Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to launch a magisterial probe. The blaze started in a cloth shop at Ram Market, Palam, claiming nine lives and injuring several others. Authorities were alerted about the fire at WZ-124A, Ram Chowk Market, early in the morning, where a four-storey building housed a cloth and cosmetic showroom on the lower floors and the residence of Rajender Kashyap and his family on the upper levels.
Rescue efforts were swiftly initiated by the police and fire services upon receiving the distressing news. Chief Minister Gupta expressed her concern on social media, emphasizing the ongoing rescue operation led by the district administration, Delhi Fire Service Department, and Delhi Police. She confirmed the launch of a magisterial inquiry into the incident and extended prayers for the safety of all individuals affected by the tragedy.
Multiple casualties were reported across different hospitals where the victims were taken for treatment. Eight individuals lost their lives at Manipal Hospital, including Pravesh, Kamal, Ashu, Lado, Himanshi, and three minor girls. At IGI Hospital, one woman named Deepika was pronounced dead upon arrival, while a man named Anil and a two-year-old girl were receiving medical care. Additionally, Safdarjung Hospital admitted Sachin with severe burn injuries.
A coordinated emergency response involving numerous fire tenders, ambulances, and specialized teams was deployed to the scene. The combined efforts of various agencies, including BSES, Air Force Police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), successfully brought the fire under control. An investigation is ongoing, with a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team examining the site, as authorities and local police continue to monitor the situation for further developments.
