A devastating fire in a grocery shop in Delhi's Tikri Kalam area claimed the lives of a young couple on Friday. The victims, identified as Vineet (31) and his wife Renu (29), were found trapped inside their shop and later declared dead at a nearby hospital.
How the Tragic Incident Unfolded
Authorities received an emergency PCR call on Friday reporting visible smoke and flames emanating from the shop. Upon arrival, a police team discovered a harrowing scene: the shop's shutter was partially closed, and the interior was completely filled with thick, toxic smoke. Initial investigations point towards a short circuit near the shop's counter as the likely cause. The electrical fault is believed to have quickly ignited plastic packets stored nearby, leading to a rapid spread of fire.
A Fatal Trap: The Struggle to Escape
The situation turned fatal due to a cruel twist of fate. As the fire intensified and smoke engulfed the confined space, an electric current reportedly passed through the metal shutter. This effectively trapped the couple inside. In a desperate bid for survival, Vineet and Renu tried to pull down the shutter manually but became ensnared in the process. The severe suffocation caused by the dense smoke proved fatal before they could be rescued.
Police personnel had to use a wooden log to force open the obstructed shutter and retrieve the couple. They were rushed to Oscar Hospital in Bahadurgarh, where doctors pronounced them dead. The couple were originally natives of Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the rescue operation, the local crime team and officials from the fire brigade conducted a thorough inspection of the site. The police have registered a case and the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and any potential lapses in electrical safety. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the grave dangers posed by electrical fires in densely packed urban commercial spaces.
This tragedy underscores the critical importance of fire safety measures, especially for small business owners operating in confined spaces. Ensuring proper electrical wiring, having accessible fire extinguishers, and maintaining clear escape routes can be lifesaving.
