New Delhi: A major fire broke out at a four-storey commercial building housing mobile accessory shops in Gaffar Market, located in Delhi’s Karol Bagh, in the early hours of Friday. Thick plumes of dark smoke and flames rose from the building as firefighters and multiple fire tenders rushed to the spot. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.
The blaze erupted at Puri Plaza in 13 block, Chain Wali Gali. A PCR call was received at Karol Bagh Police Station at around 1.28am, following which police personnel reached the spot.
The station house officer (SHO), along with the night staff, immediately reached the location. They saw flames consuming Shop no 13/21 in the four-storey commercial building that houses mobile accessory shops.
Preliminary information suggests that the fire originated in a ground-floor shop where mobile batteries were stored. The flames subsequently spread to all four floors of the building, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Initially, 22 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, with additional units deployed as the blaze intensified. Around 20–25 fire tenders, three CAT ambulances and two PCR vehicles were eventually pressed into service. Additional water bowsers and lighting equipment were also sent to assist firefighters.
Visuals from the scene showed thick dark smoke billowing from the building as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The fire was subsequently brought under control, although the incident caused damage to the commercial property. Police said no loss of life or injuries had been reported.
Initial results indicate that the fire could be caused by overheating or overcharging of the batteries. But the cause is yet to be identified. The police will get information from the fire department and electrical inspector to know the cause of the fire.
Additionally, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team will be employed to inspect the structure and see if there were other combustibles that played a part in spreading the fire. Other materials that increased the intensity of the fire will also be investigated.
Apart from that, the police will get a certificate from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding the structural safety of the building. The assessment will be done to understand if the building is structurally unsafe for human life.
Action will follow according to the results of the investigation. The police officers are ensuring that law and order prevail at the scene, and the situation is now under control.