Most of the nine people killed in a devastating fire in southwest Delhi’s Palam area likely died due to smoke inhalation, with investigators suspecting a short circuit as the cause of the blaze, police said on Thursday.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have originated from an electrical board near the main entrance on the ground floor of the four-storey building. However, officials said the exact cause would be confirmed only after the forensic report.
The blaze, which broke out on Wednesday morning near Palam Metro Station, claimed the lives of nine members of a family, including a 70-year-old woman and three young girls. Three others sustained injuries while attempting to escape and are reported to be in stable condition.
Police said most victims appeared to have died of asphyxiation rather than burn injuries. Only two individuals, including the elderly woman, suffered severe burns, while others showed fewer burn marks.
The building housed a cloth and cosmetics business on the lower floors, while the family resided above. Officials said the presence of highly flammable materials may have accelerated the spread of the fire.
Rescuers believe that some family members rushed to the upper floors in a desperate attempt to escape the flames and smoke, possibly turning on water taps in a bid to contain the fire or find relief.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as thick smoke engulfed the structure within minutes. “The entire structure was filled with dense smoke. People inside must have struggled to breathe. They had ran to the third floor as when we to rescue them their bodies were found on that floor,” said a local resident.
The building has been extensively damaged, with charred interiors and burnt cash and materials from the shops found scattered inside.
Residents alleged lapses in the initial firefighting response, claiming that two of the first three fire tenders lacked adequate water pressure, delaying operations. Concerns were also raised over the functioning of firefighting equipment, including a hydraulic machine.
Authorities have registered a case and ordered a magisterial inquiry to examine the cause of the fire and any lapses in safety or response. Officials said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
The incident has once again highlighted fire safety concerns in congested, mixed-use buildings, where narrow access and high fire loads often hamper rescue efforts.
Follow us
