Palam Fire Tragedy: 9 Dead As Massive Fire Engulfs Residential Building In Delhi, Many Jumped To Survive Horror

New Delhi: A massive fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Southwest Delhi’s Palam area on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of nine people, including children.

The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response, leaving several residents trapped inside. 

As part of an intensive operation, around 20 fire tenders & 11 CATS ambulances, along with staff from BSES, the Air Force Police and NDRF, reached the area to contain the inferno and rescue people from the upper floors of the structure.

Firefighters launched a massive rescue operation, using specialised equipment to reach those still trapped in the residential areas while simultaneously battling the inferno on the ground floor.

Allegations and Response Delays

The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who alleged significant delays and technical failures in the initial emergency response.

Local eyewitnesses have raised serious questions regarding the rescue timeline.

However, bystanders claimed that the first hydraulic platform (fire ladder) that arrived around 7:30 AM failed to open due to technical issues.

A second, functional hydraulic machine reportedly did not arrive until approximately 8:30 AM, by which time much of the damage had been done.

A Death Trap with No Exit

The blaze reportedly began in a building located in Gali Number 2 at Shri Ram Chowk, situated near the Palam Metro Station.

The basement, ground floor & first floor housed a cloth & cosmetic showroom owned by Sh. Rajender Kashyap (Market Pradhan), while his family resided on the second and third floors.

Because the building had only one entry and exit, which was immediately blocked by the fire, residents on the upper floors had no way out.

The department immediately upgraded the call after witnessing the intensity of the smoke, rushing nearly 30 fire engines and over 100 personnel to the spot.

Witnesses described harrowing scenes of desperation as the smoke intensified.

With the only staircase blocked, several residents, including small children, were forced to jump from balconies to save their lives.

While many were caught by neighbours below, the fall resulted in numerous injuries.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

The structure, which housed a cosmetics showroom on the ground floor and residential units on the three floors above, became a death trap for several families as flames cut off the only exit.

Residents who gathered at the spot assisted those leaping from the balconies, while others used ladders to help where possible.

A total of 10 people have been rescued so far and taken to nearby hospitals by ambulances. DFS officials confirmed that at least five to ten people are suspected to be trapped inside the building.

While some reports suggest that several individuals may have succumbed to the smoke or heat, the fire department has stated that an official count of casualties will only be confirmed once the operation is complete and teams can safely access every floor.

At least four people are confirmed to have sustained significant injuries so far, suffering from both burn injuries and fractures resulting from their leaps to safety.

The injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

• Manipal Hospital: 6 deceased persons, namely Pravesh (Male, 35 yrs), Kamal (Male, 40 yrs), Ashu (Female, 32 yrs) and three minor girls aged 12 yrs, 6 yrs, and 5 yrs.
• IGI Hospital: One female (approx. 38 yrs) was declared brought dead; one male (approx. 40 yrs) and one girl (2 yrs) are under treatment.
• Safdarjung Hospital: One male (19 yrs) admitted with approx. 25% burn injuries.

Investigation Underway

The Delhi Police have cordoned off the area around Shri Ram Chowk to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles.

The fire has led to significant traffic diversions near the Palam Metro station, causing delays for commuters.

Delhi Police have confirmed that nine people have lost their lives in the tragedy. At least four others remain hospitalised with serious injuries.

The situation remains volatile; intermittent flames are still visible from parts of the charred structure as cooling operations continue.

Firefighters and forensic teams are currently conducting a thorough search operation inside the building to ensure no further victims are trapped under the debris.

A formal investigation into the cause of the fire and the reported equipment failure is currently underway.

Residents have also joined the efforts, assisting police personnel in managing the crowds.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Preliminary assessments suggest critical safety lapses in the locality's infrastructure.

The fire safety wing will launch an investigation once the blaze is fully extinguished, and further information will emerge.

CM Orders Magisterial Inquiry

CM Rekha Gupta orders magisterial inquiry into residential building fire in Delhi's Palam

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said a magisterial inquiry was ordered into the fire at a multi-storey residential building in Delhi's Palam area, in which several people from a family have died.

Gupta, in a post on X, said she was extremely distressed to learn about the unfortunate fire at the residential building.

The district administration, Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Police are leading the rescue operation, she said. "Magisterial enquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident," she added.