Fire Engulfs Delhi Electronics Store, Claims Four Lives

A devastating fire at Mahajan Electronics in west Delhi’s Raja Garden resulted in the deaths of four employees and left one person injured on March 11, 2024. The blaze erupted during lunchtime, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a scene of chaos and tragedy.

Witnesses described the moment the fire began. “It was lunchtime. We were chatting, laughing. Suddenly, we heard a crackling sound, and then the lights went out. It was a short circuit. Smoke started filling the room,” recalled Sumit, a member of the store’s staff. Fire officials received the first emergency call at 15:08. The fire reportedly originated on the first floor of the four-storey building.

The situation escalated quickly, particularly on the second floor, where four employees were having their lunch. “There was no way out. The smoke was thick; we couldn’t see anything. We gathered all our willpower and thankfully escaped,” Sumit continued. Those trapped included Aman, Payal, Ayushi, and Ravi, who faced severe consequences due to the smoke and flames.

Emergency responders deployed five fire tenders and ambulances rushed the injured to local hospitals. Tragically, despite these efforts, the four individuals succumbed to suffocation and burn injuries shortly after being rescued. Their identities have not yet been officially released by the authorities.

The fire’s impact reverberated through the local community, prompting a swift response from police and emergency services. As smoke billowed from the building, onlookers gathered, witnessing the harrowing scene. “The store had close to 40 employees. We saw people running, screaming, all dishevelled,” said another staff member. “I don’t know how some of us made it out alive. It’s fate; unfortunately, the four of them were not as lucky.”

Local officials were quick to respond to the incident. Senior officials, including DCP Vichitra Veer and the area Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), arrived at the scene to coordinate rescue efforts and collect statements from eyewitnesses.

As the reality of the tragedy set in, Sumit expressed the profound loss felt by the surviving staff. “We’ve worked here for years. We ate together, worked side by side. And now, just like that, four of them are gone,” he said, visibly shaken.

This incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures in commercial establishments, particularly regarding fire hazards. The local community mourns the loss of four lives while seeking answers and accountability in the wake of this heartbreaking event.