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Delhi Fire: Rescue Delay Claims Family of Nine
31 Jul
Summary
- Nine family members died in a Palam fire due to delayed rescue efforts.
- A malfunctioning Bronto Skylift hindered evacuation from the narrow street.
- Electrical short circuit near an MCB box is the suspected cause of the fire.
A fire in southwest Delhi's Palam tragically resulted in the deaths of nine family members across three generations, including three children, on March 18, 2026. Residents trapped on a third-floor balcony faced agonizing delays as rescue equipment, specifically a Bronto Skylift, malfunctioned and was entangled by low-hanging cables and banners in the narrow lane. Firefighters manually cleared obstructions, but the primary Skylift failed to ascend, and a second unit arrived too late.
The magisterial inquiry identified critical lapses by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Fire Services, and the Electrical Inspectorate. The probable cause of the fire is suspected to be an electrical short circuit near an MCB box, though final confirmation awaits forensic reports. The building, a mixed-use four-storey structure, lacked adequate ventilation and had unauthorized commercial activities on upper floors, exacerbating the danger.
Further investigations revealed issues with the Bronto Skylift's maintenance and operator training, with no formal training conducted since 2006. The inquiry also noted a significant number of vacant posts within the Delhi Fire Services and insufficient technical training for electrical inspectors. Authorities are now being urged to enforce construction standards, improve emergency access, and ensure preparedness to prevent future tragedies.
