A massive fire broke out in a four-story building in the Sadh Nagar area of Palam on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of nine members of a single family. The incident took place between 6:40 AM and 7:00 AM on March 18, 2026, trapping the residents inside as the flames spread rapidly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced immediate financial assistance for the victims.
PM Modi Announces Compensation and Official Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his grief through the PMO official account, stating that the incident in Palam is deeply saddening. He prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the fire. To support the families during this difficult time, the Prime Minister National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will provide 2 lakh rupees to the next of kin of each deceased person. Additionally, those who sustained injuries will be given 50,000 rupees each for their treatment.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also taken swift action by ordering a magistrial inquiry into the tragic event. Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has directed a comprehensive fire audit across the city to prevent such incidents in the future. The LG is closely monitoring the rescue and relief operations in the affected area.
Details of the Fire Incident and Rescue Operations
The fire reportedly started at a cosmetic shop located on the ground floor of the building owned by Rajendra Kashyap. It quickly escalated to the upper floors, making it difficult for the residents to escape. While nine people lost their lives, two individuals managed to jump from the building to save themselves and are currently undergoing treatment for their injuries. The deceased include three young girls aged 3, 6, and 15 years.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sadh Nagar, Palam Police Station Area |
| Date and Time | Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 6:40 AM |
| Total Casualties | 9 family members (including 3 children) |
| Building Owner | Rajendra Kashyap (Market Pradhan) |
| Response Team | 30 Fire Tenders, Delhi Police, and CATS Ambulances |
| Probable Cause | Initial investigation suggests a Short Circuit |
The Delhi Fire Service deployed 30 fire tenders to the spot to control the blaze. Although the fire has been managed, cooling operations continued throughout the day to ensure safety. Witnesses raised concerns about a delay in the arrival of the hydraulic ladder and its functionality during the rescue operation. Authorities are investigating these claims as part of the ongoing probe into the incident.
