Tragic Palam Fire Claims 9 Lives; Delhi CM Calls for Inquiry
Synopsis
A devastating fire in Palam, Delhi, has resulted in nine fatalities. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial inquiry. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about safety measures in residential buildings.
Key Takeaways
Death toll reaches nine in Palam fire incident.
Chief Minister orders a magisterial probe.
Emergency services deployed for rescue operations.
Fire controlled after extensive efforts.
Investigation into the cause underway.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) The toll of casualties from the devastating fire at a multi-storey residential structure in the Palam region of Delhi has tragically climbed to nine. In response, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has mandated a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
The fire ignited in the morning at a fabric store situated in Ram Market, Palam, resulting in at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries.
Authorities received reports about the fire at the Police Station Palam Village at approximately 7:04 a.m., leading the Station House Officer (SHO) and police personnel to the scene promptly. The blaze originated in a four-storey building located at WZ-124A, Ram Chowk Market. Officials revealed that the basement, ground floor, and first floor were occupied by a cloth and cosmetic store owned by Rajender Kashyap, the Market Pradhan, while his family lived on the upper levels.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Gupta expressed her deep distress over the tragic fire incident at the multi-story residential building in Palam, noting that the district administration, the Delhi Fire Service, and the Delhi Police were actively engaged in the rescue operations.
She announced that a magisterial inquiry has been initiated to look into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
“I am praying for the safety of all affected,” she stated in her post.
Rescue teams were able to evacuate several individuals from the building and transport them to nearby medical facilities. Nevertheless, several casualties were reported across various hospitals.
At Manipal Hospital, eight individuals were confirmed dead, including Pravesh (33), Kamal (39), Ashu (35), Lado (70), Himanshi (22), and three minor girls aged 15, 6, and 3 years.
At IGI Hospital, one woman, identified as Deepika (approximately 28 years old), was declared dead upon arrival; a male patient, Anil (around 32 years), and a two-year-old girl are currently receiving treatment.
In addition, Safdarjung Hospital admitted a man named Sachin (29) who sustained approximately 25 percent burn injuries.
A significant emergency response was activated, deploying around 20 fire engines and 11 CATS ambulances to the scene. Teams from BSES, Air Force Police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) participated in the firefighting and rescue efforts.
The fire has now been brought under control after extensive efforts. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been summoned to examine the site, and all relevant agencies and local police are present. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are anticipated.
Point of View
It is important to prioritize the protection of lives in urban settings.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in Palam?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by authorities.
How many people were affected by the fire?
At least nine people have lost their lives, with several others injured.
What actions has the government taken?
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Where did the fire occur?
The fire broke out in a multi-storey residential building at WZ-124A, Ram Chowk Market, Palam.
What emergency services responded to the incident?
Around 20 fire tenders and 11 CATS ambulances were deployed to the scene.
