Gaffar Market fire triggers urgency for citywide safety audits

Emergency teams quickly rushed 25 fire tenders, three CAT ambulances, and two PCR vehicles to the scene. Firefighters battled the flames to prevent the blaze from consuming adjacent structures.

Authorities reported no loss of life or injuries from the incident. However, the commercial establishment suffered extensive property damage during the early morning blaze.

Police received a distress call at 1:28 a.m. regarding the emergency at Karol Bagh station. The Station House Officer and night staff reached Chain Wali Gali immediately.

Preliminary investigations indicate the fire originated in a ground-floor unit storing mobile batteries. Officials suspect overheating or overcharging of batteries triggered the massive blaze.

The incident highlights growing fire hazards in industrial hubs across the national capital region. A shoe factory fire in Mangolpuri Industrial Area killed four people just days ago.

The recent emergency sparked immediate safety concerns among market traders and commercial business owners. The Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh called upon state authorities to conduct urgent safety audits.

Traders highlighted that high customer footfall during the festive season increases potential disaster risks. Increased merchandise stocks in crowded markets escalate structural vulnerability during accidental fires.

The business association urged officials to inspect electrical installations and clear critical emergency routes. They emphasized maintaining functional firefighting equipment to ensure quick emergency response operations.

The traders’ body appealed to business owners to prevent electrical overloading in commercial shops. They urged staff to disconnect non-essential electrical lines after operating hours end.

Authorities continue investigating the exact cause behind the rapid battery storage unit ignition. Rescue teams safely completed operations without reporting any human casualties at the site.