One person was killed as a fire broke out at the Vishal Mega Mart showroom in Delhi’s Karol Bagh on Friday evening. The showroom, part of a four-storeyed building, sold clothes and grocery items, and was active with staff and customers when the incident occurred, the police said.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Karol Bagh police station and a formal investigation is underway into the cause of the blaze, officers said.
The deceased was identified as Kumar Dhirender Pratap Singh, 25. He was trapped inside the building’s lift, police and fire officials confirmed on Saturday.
Officials with the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) reported that they received the call at 6.45 pm. DFS officials said 13 fire tenders and around 90 firefighters were sent to the area and the fire was eventually brought under control.
WhatsApp chat of the deceased who was identified as Kumar Dhirender Pratap Singh, 25. (Express Photo)
Singh was found in the lift during the rescue operation that followed. He was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where doctors declared him dead.
Officials suspect the fire broke out after a short circuit occurred on the second floor. The blaze is believed to have quickly spread to the upper floors even as customers and staff were inside the store. All occupants of the building had to be evacuated quickly as the flames spread further.
Officials continue to be engaged in assessing the damage and ensuring the safety of the premises.
