A devastating fire tore through a multi-storey residential building in Delhi’s Palam area on Wednesday, leaving at least seven people dead, including three children, and several others injured. Rescue teams raced against time to save residents as flames engulfed the structure, which housed both commercial warehouses and residential units.
A fire broke out in a multi-purpose building in Delhi’s Palam
According to officials, the fire broke out in a building with a basement, ground floor and four upper floors, topped by a makeshift sheet metal shed. The lower floors – the basement, ground floor and first floor – were used to store clothes and cosmetics, while families lived on the second and third floors.
The presence of combustible materials likely intensified the fire and complicated rescue efforts.
The feared victims, children among the victims
Rescue teams from Delhi Fire Services (DFS) pulled out several people from the building and shifted them to nearby hospitals.
“A total of 07 victims (including 03 children) rescued by DFS and taken to hospital.”
Officials said the situation remains unstable, with the death toll not yet formally confirmed.
DCP Amit Goel (South West) said around 9-10 people were rescued from the building.
“They are being sent to IG Hospital and other hospitals. It looks like 6-7 have died. We have no confirmed deaths yet,” he said.
In the early stages of the fire, two individuals reportedly jumped from the building in an attempt to escape and were also taken to hospital.
Massive firefighting operations are underway in Delhi
The Delhi Fire Service deployed around 30 fire tenders to douse the fire. Firefighters continue to cool down while searching for any remaining occupants inside the structure.
“Cooling, search and rescue operations continue…”
Authorities said the fire has not yet been fully extinguished and efforts are ongoing to prevent further damage and loss of life.
LG expresses sadness, monitors the situation
Delhi Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu expressed deep concern over the incident and confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
“Deeply saddened by the fire in a residential building near Palam Metro.
My thoughts are with those affected by this tragic loss. Rescue and firefighting operations are being closely monitored and all necessary support is being provided.”
Delhi CM says ‘extremely desperate’
In a post on X, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said, “Deeply saddened to learn about the unfortunate fire in a multi-storey residential building in Palam. According to information received, 6 people are feared dead, few people are still trapped inside the building. The rescue operation is being conducted by the district administration, Delhi Fire Brigade and Delhi Police. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to look into all.”
The Delhi Fire Brigade received an emergency call at 7.37 am after which ten fire tenders were rushed to the spot and with continuous efforts the fire was brought under control.
(With input from agencies)
