Shahdara Blaze Claims 9 Lives Probe Underway Into Cause
May 3, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the deadly fire in Shahdara that claimed nine lives. He announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday in a residential building, leaving several others injured.
According to Delhi Fire Services, a distress call was received around 3:27 am, after which multiple fire tenders and over 80 personnel were deployed. By the time teams reached the spot, flames had already engulfed multiple floors, making rescue operations difficult. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion, with initial reports suggesting a possible air conditioner blast as the trigger.
Rescue teams managed to evacuate several people, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals, including Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause, examining possibilities such as electrical faults and safety lapses. The incident highlights ongoing concerns around fire safety in densely populated residential areas.