A devastating fire broke out in a multi-storey residential-cum-commercial building near Shri Ram Chowk, close to the Palam Metro Station in southwest Delhi on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of nine members of a family and leaving several others injured.
Fire Engulfs Residential Building
The blaze rapidly spread through the five-storey structure, which housed a cloth and cosmetic showroom on the ground and first floors, while the owner’s family resided on the upper levels. Thick black smoke and intense flames were seen engulfing large parts of the building, creating panic in the congested market area.
Nearly 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighters battled challenging conditions, navigating narrow lanes and smoke-filled interiors to carry out rescue operations. Officials later confirmed that the fire had been brought under control.
Nine Family Members Lose Lives
The deceased belonged to the family of the showroom owner. Victims included:
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Lado (70), wife of Rajendra
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Sons Kamal (39) and Pravesh (33)
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Daughter Himanshi (22)
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Kamal’s wife Ashu (35) and their three young daughters
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Anil’s wife and daughter Deepika (28)
The tragedy has left the local community in shock, with multiple generations of the same family wiped out in the incident.
Injuries Reported, Victims Jumped to Escape
At least three people—Anil (32), Sachin (29), and a two-year-old child, Mitali—sustained injuries after jumping from the building to escape the flames. Several injured victims are currently undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, with reports indicating burn injuries of around 25 per cent.
Rescue and Investigation Underway
Emergency teams conducted extensive search and rescue operations to ensure no one remained trapped inside. The area has been cordoned off, and a forensic team has been deployed to examine the site.
Authorities stated that the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and a detailed investigation is currently underway.
Safety Concerns in Congested Areas
The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in densely populated commercial-residential zones, where narrow access points often hinder timely rescue efforts.
