Two Dead After Fire at Vishal Mega Mart in Delhi's Karol Bagh, Short Circuit Suspected

Two men died after a fire broke out at Vishal Mega Mart in Delhi’s Karol Bagh. One victim was trapped in a lift and died of suffocation. Another charred body was later recovered. A short circuit is suspected, and authorities are investigating possible safety lapses at the commercial building.

A devastating fire broke out at Vishal Mega Mart in Delhi’s Karol Bagh area on Friday evening, claiming the lives of two men. The blaze, which began around 6:44 PM on the second floor of the four-storey building on Padam Singh Road, prompted a massive firefighting effort involving 13 fire tenders and approximately 90 firefighters.

One of the victims, identified as 25-year-old Kumar Dhirender Pratap, was found dead inside a lift. He had sent desperate messages to his elder brother moments before his death, indicating he was trapped and struggling to breathe. His final message at 6:51 PM read, “Ab saans phool raha. Kuchh karo” — a heartbreaking plea for help that went unanswered as the fire intensified.

A second body, charred and yet to be identified, was recovered later during the cooling operations inside the building. Authorities are working to confirm the identity of the deceased.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, though officials have yet to confirm the exact cause. Poor ventilation in the building made firefighting efforts more difficult and likely contributed to the suffocating conditions that led to the deaths.

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According to a statement by Delhi Police, the fire was largely confined to the second floor, which housed grocery and fabric goods. A case under relevant legal sections is expected to be registered as investigations continue into safety lapses and the cause of the fire.

The tragedy has sparked concerns over fire safety in commercial spaces in the capital, especially those with limited emergency exits and inadequate ventilation.