A 25-year-old man, identified as Kumar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, tragically lost his life after being trapped inside an elevator during a major fire that broke out at the Vishal Mega Mart departmental store in Karol Bagh, New Delhi, on Friday evening.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan, Singh had visited the building in search of a job, though it remains unclear which floor he intended to visit. He was reportedly inside the elevator when the blaze erupted, trapping him fatally.
The fire, which began around 6:30 PM on the second floor of the four-storey building located on Padam Singh Road, prompted the immediate dispatch of 13 fire tenders, as confirmed by Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief Atul Garg. The second floor housed the Vishal Mega Mart, selling fabric and grocery items.
Ongoing Rescue and Safety Concerns
While the flames were largely doused before 9 PM, rescue operations continue, with two floors still shrouded in dense smoke, making it difficult for firefighters to fully inspect the premises. The building was still being combed through as of Saturday morning.
DCP Valsan noted that six fire tenders remain on site, with rescue teams searching for any additional victims. It is still uncertain how many people were inside the showroom at the time of the fire outbreak.
Cause Under Investigation
While a short-circuit is the suspected cause, authorities have stated that the definitive reason will only be known after a forensic inspection. Delhi Police and fire officials continue their investigation into safety lapses and the origin of the blaze.
Attempts by media outlets to reach out to Vishal Mega Mart staff were unsuccessful, as the contact numbers listed for the Karol Bagh outlet were found to be switched off.
This incident comes as a grim reminder of the urgent need for fire safety audits and disaster preparedness in commercial establishments across India’s capital.