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A massive fire broke out at a four-storey commercial building in Delhi's Gaffar Market area in the early hours of Friday, damaging property but causing
no casualties. According to Delhi Police, the fire is suspected to have started due to overheating or overcharging of mobile batteries stored inside a ground-floor shop. A PCR call about the fire at Chain Wali Gali was received at Karol Bagh police station at 1:28 am. The night staff immediately reached the spot, police said.
The fire broke out at Shop No. 13/21 in Puri Plaza, a commercial building dealing in mobile accessories. It reportedly started in the ground-floor shop, where mobile batteries were stored, and later spread to all four floors.
Around 20-25 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the blaze. Three CAT ambulances and two PCR vehicles were also deployed.
Battery Overheating Suspected As Cause
Police said overheating or overcharging of batteries appears to be a possible cause of the fire. However, the exact reason is yet to be established.
A report will be sought from the Delhi Fire Service and the Electrical Inspector to determine how the fire started. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team will also examine the building to check for the presence of other combustible materials.
MCD To Assess Building Safety
Police said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. A structural safety assessment or certificate will also be obtained from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to rule out any risk to human life.
The fire has been completely extinguished, and police personnel are maintaining law and order at the spot.
No deaths or injuries have been reported so far. The incident has resulted in property damage.
