Tragedy in Karol Bagh: Delhi Fire Incident at Vishal Mega Mart

On the night of July 4, 2025, a catastrophic fire engulfed the Vishal Mega Mart in the congested Karol Bagh area of Delhi, killing two people and raising serious questions about fire safety in commercial areas.

What Happened

The blaze allegedly started at 6:44 PM on the second floor of the four-storeyed retail building at Padam Singh Road. The structure, full of combustible items such as fabric, mustard oil, and ghee, was filled with smoke within minutes. In spite of the prompt action of 13 fire engines and almost 90 firefighters, the fire was hard to control because there was poor ventilation and the nature of the stock.

Lives Lost

Two men lost their lives in a tragic accident. One of them, 25-year-old Kumar Dhirender Pratap Singh, was stuck in a lift and succumbed to asphyxia. His last messages to his brother—sent from inside the lift—show a chilling picture of desperation. The second victim, 30-year-old Pawan Gautam of Aligarh, was recovered later during cooling operations.

Safety Concerns

Eyewitnesses reported that around 50 people were inside the building when the fire broke out. While many managed to escape through staircases and emergency exits, the incident has reignited concerns about the adequacy of fire safety protocols in Delhi’s commercial hubs. Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit may have triggered the fire, but a forensic team is conducting a detailed probe.

Political and Legal Consequences

An FIR has been lodged, and the authorities are investigating if the building was following fire safety norms. The tragedy also evoked political criticism against the government for repeated lapses in fire safety enforcement in the city.

Last Word

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the cost when convenience gets more importance than safety. With Delhi growing vertically and commercially by the day, it is crucial that fire safety codes are not only in place—but strongly enforced. The lives lost in Karol Bagh cannot be in vain; they must act as a wake-up call for systemic change.

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