Source The Hindu
New Delhi: A devastating fire tore through a residential building in southwest Delhi’s Palam area on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of nine people, including three children, in one of the city’s deadliest recent fire tragedies.
According to officials, the blaze broke out early in the day and spread rapidly through the multi-storey building, trapping several occupants inside. Firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call and launched a rescue operation, but many residents were unable to escape the thick smoke and flames in time.
Emergency teams managed to rescue a few injured individuals, who were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Some of them are reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities suspect that the fire may have intensified due to the building’s structure and lack of adequate safety measures, though the exact cause is yet to be determined. In response to the tragedy, the Delhi government has ordered a magisterial probe to investigate the incident and ascertain responsibility.
Chief Minister officials expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured that strict action would be taken if any negligence is found. Local residents also raised concerns about fire safety compliance in densely populated residential areas.
This incident once again highlights the persistent issue of fire safety in urban residential buildings, especially in congested localities where narrow lanes and inadequate infrastructure often hinder timely rescue efforts.
