In a deeply tragic incident, which rocked Delhi on July 4, 2025, on Friday evening, a large -scale fire surrounded a huge mega mart outlet in Karol Bagh, claiming the life of Kumar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, a 25 -year -old jobseeker. The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety in commercial places in the national capital.
When and Where Did the Fire Start?
According to Delhi Fire Services (DFS), the huge mega-mart fire at around 6:30 pm, began at around 6:30 pm on the second floor of the four -storey building located in Padam Singh Road in Karol Bagh. The department stores were popular for their clothes and grocery sections, open to customers when the fire broke out.
Firefighting Efforts and Ongoing Rescue Operation
According to DFS Chief Atul Garg, the fire was extremely intense on the second floor, likely because of the presence of flammable goods stored in the retail sections. Firefighters had to battle intense heat, zero visibility, and billowing smoke as they entered the premises.
Unfortunately, the smoke quickly made its way to the building’s elevator shaft, where Kumar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, who had come to the building in search of employment, became trapped. He was unable to escape due to the dense smoke and malfunctioning lift.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Nidhin Valsan, confirmed the fatality and stated that Kumar’s exact purpose in the building is still under verification. “We are not sure if he had a job interview at Vishal Mega Mart or was visiting another floor,” said Valsan.
The victim’s body was eventually recovered after fire personnel managed to clear enough smoke from the elevator shaft to gain access
Firefighters try to douse a fire that broke out at a shopping complex, at Karol Bagh in New Delhi, Friday, July 4, 2025.(PTI)
What Caused the Vishal Mega Mart Fire?
As of now, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, early findings suggest that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault or a short circuit within the department store’s internal wiring system. Given the presence of easily combustible materials—such as clothing and packaging—once the fire started, it spread rapidly.
Authorities are awaiting a detailed forensic report to determine the precise trigger behind this tragic blaze. The Delhi Police and DFS teams are also inspecting whether the building had valid fire safety clearances, and whether alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits were functional and compliant with the regulations.
Concerns Over Fire Safety Compliance
This incident has once again drawn attention to the poor state of fire safety compliance in many commercial buildings across Delhi. While retail giants like Vishal Mega Mart operate multiple outlets across the country, it is being questioned whether all of them strictly follow mandated fire safety protocols.
Experts note that the majority of older buildings in areas like Karol Bagh often lack smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire escape signage, making evacuation during emergencies even more difficult.
Who Was the Victim?
The deceased, Kumar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, was a young man in his mid-20s, originally from Bihar, who had come to Delhi recently to explore job opportunities. Eyewitnesses say he entered the Vishal Mega Mart premises alone that evening and was possibly on his way to or from a job interview.
His death has devastated his family, who were informed late Friday night. “He was full of hope and wanted to make something of himself. We never imagined this would happen,” said a close relative over phone.
escue Still Ongoing, Two Floors Still Filled With Smoke
Even as of Saturday morning, parts of the building remained filled with heavy smoke, delaying full clearance of the premises. Firefighters are still conducting search and smoke extraction operations on the upper floors of the four-storey structure. Officials said that no other casualties have been reported so far, but investigations are ongoing.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and local civic teams have been called in to assess the structural stability of the building post-blaze.
What’s Next?
Authorities are now under pressure to launch a full-scale review of fire safety across other Vishal Mega Mart outlets and similar high-footfall buildings in the area. Officials from the Delhi government, as well as fire safety experts, have urged for stricter enforcement of fire audits and penalties for non-compliance.
Public safety activists have also asked for the creation of a real-time fire inspection portal, where consumers and visitors can access a building’s latest safety status.
A Wake-Up Call
The Vishal Mega Mart fire in Karol Bagh is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the risks posed by ignoring safety standards. It calls for swift action from retail brands, property owners, and local authorities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As Delhi mourns the loss of a bright, young life, the city must act—before another life is lost to preventable neglect.
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