Overview
- The National Human Rights Commission, which issued notices Tuesday, gave Delhi’s chief secretary and police two weeks to explain the Palam blaze and the rescue timeline.
- Delhi’s home minister, citing a preliminary fire report, said the building stored highly flammable goods in the basement, had only one internal staircase, and sat on a lane clogged with overhead cables that blocked equipment such as a Bronto Skylift ladder.
- The report also noted smoke and heat kept crews from using the stairs, an electronic shutter failed to open, Delhi Jal Board roadwork caused a traffic jam near the site, and bystanders pulled firefighters in different directions.
- Ashish Sood blamed an 11-year lapse in upgrades under the previous AAP government, pointing to a 1969-era radio system and delays in buying high-reach gear, while AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj disputed the ‘highly inflammable’ claim and alleged equipment failures, including a faulty hydraulic crane.
- The fire, which started around 6:15 a.m. on March 18 in a ground-floor shop, killed nine members of one family and injured three others, and the government has ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced compensation.