New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) A magisterial inquiry into the devastating fire at a residential building in Delhi’s Palam area that claimed nine lives in March has concluded that the blaze most likely started due to an electrical short circuit near the building’s main circuit breaker (MCB) box.
The report, submitted to the Delhi government, said the exact cause of the fire could not be conclusively established as the electrical installation was completely destroyed.
The inquiry, conducted by the South-West district magistrate, concluded that the high death toll was the result of a combination of building deficiencies, violations of safety norms and systemic shortcomings in the emergency response, rather than a single factor.
According to the report, the fire is believed to have originated near the MCB box located between the ground and first floors, where wiring for six electricity connections converged. The flames spread rapidly through combustible commercial stock stored inside the building, while thick smoke engulfed the upper floors, trapping residents.
The inquiry found that while only the basement and ground floor were licensed for commercial use, commercial activity and storage were also being carried out on the first floor in violation of Mixed Land Use norms.
Investigators recovered remnants of bangles, innerwear and office records of a market association from the first floor, indicating unauthorised commercial use.
A major finding of the inquiry relates to the rescue operation. It said unauthorised overhead telecom cables and banners delayed the deployment of the Delhi Fire Services’ Bronto Skylift, with its boom getting entangled during rescue efforts.
The report further revealed that a technical glitch rendered the aerial platform inoperable, leaving residents trapped on the third-floor balcony beyond reach. A second skylift arrived later, but by then all nine victims had died.
The inquiry held the Municipal Corporation of Delhi responsible for failing to enforce licence conditions and remove aerial obstructions. It recommended disciplinary action against the licensing inspector concerned for allowing commercial activity beyond the permitted floors.
Among its recommendations, the report called for an independent technical investigation into the Bronto Skylift malfunction, periodic certification and training of fire service operators, regulation of overhead telecom and cable infrastructure, stricter enforcement of building-use norms, retrofitting of buildings lacking adequate ventilation or escape routes wherever feasible, and strengthening of the fire services. PTI VIT NB NB
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