A massive fire broke out at a four-storey building in Delhi's Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh late Thursday night, damaging several shops and causing losses worth lakhs of rupees. No casualties have been reported so far.
The blaze started at around 1:30 am at shop number 13/21 in Puri Plaza, located in Chain Wali Gali of the market. The shop deals in mobile accessories. Police received a PCR call about the fire at around 1:28 am.
According to preliminary information, the fire may have started from mobile batteries stored on the ground floor before spreading rapidly to all four floors of the building. Officials suspect that overheating or overcharging of the batteries could have triggered the blaze, but the exact cause is yet to be established.
27 Fire Tenders Rushed To Spot
Around 27 fire tenders were sent to the spot to control the blaze. Three CAT ambulances and two PCR vehicles were also deployed.
The fire, which reportedly started in one shop, spread to a small building housing several smaller shops and also affected the surrounding area. Although the blaze has been brought under control, firefighters are still working to clear smoke from some sections inside the building.
There have been no reports of deaths or injuries, while the incident has caused extensive property damage, with goods worth lakhs of rupees reportedly destroyed.
Fire Department, FSL To Probe Cause
The fire department and an electrical inspector will investigate the cause of the blaze. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team will also examine the building for the presence of inflammable materials.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will be asked to assess the structural safety of the building.
The situation at the spot is currently under control, and law and order remain normal.