NEW DELHI – A devastating fire at Vishal Mega Mart in Delhi’s Karol Bagh area claimed the lives of two men, police confirmed on Saturday. One of the deceased, Kumar Dhirender Pratap, 25, was found dead inside a lift, likely from suffocation.
Another charred body was discovered later during the cooling operations, with authorities working to identify the second victim.
The fire broke out at 6:44 pm on Friday at the second floor of the four-storey commercial building on Padam Singh Road, prompting a massive emergency response.
“Bhaiya,”
“Hum lift mein hoon.”
“Ab saans phool raha. Kuchh karo” (I am short of breath now. Do something)
These were Dhirender’s final messages, sent at 6:51 pm to his elder brother as he remained trapped inside the lift. After that, there was no further communication.
Firefighting Operations
According to a Delhi Police statement, the fire was mostly restricted to the second floor, where grocery and fabric items were stored and sold. A total of 13 fire tenders and nearly 90 firefighters were deployed to control the flames.
Fire officials stated that inadequate ventilation inside the building made firefighting operations particularly difficult and prolonged.
“This is a Vishal Mega Mart outlet where grocery and fabric items are sold. The fire was confined mainly to the second floor,” police said.
Suspected Cause and Investigation
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, preliminary evidence suggests a possible short circuit. A case under relevant sections is likely to be registered, and a detailed investigation is underway, police added.
This tragic incident has once again raised serious concerns over fire safety protocols in commercial buildings across the capital.