PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Palam Fire; Announces Rs 2 Lakh Compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over a tragic fire in the Palam area of New Delhi that claimed nine lives on Wednesday.

In a post shared through the Prime Minister’s Office X handle, he conveyed his condolences and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

“The fire incident in Palam, Delhi, is saddening. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the post read.

It further added, “An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi.”

Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry. It will determine the cause of the fire and assess any possible negligence.

The fire broke out at around 07:04 AM in a four-storey building located at Ram Chowk Market in Palam. The lower floors housed a cloth and cosmetics shop owned by Rajender Kashyap, while the upper levels were used as residential quarters by his family.

Emergency services and police teams reached the spot soon after the alert and began rescue operations to evacuate those trapped inside the building.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where multiple fatalities were reported.

Eight people, including women and children, were declared dead on arrival at Manipal Hospital. Another victim was brought dead to Indira Gandhi International Hospital, where two others continue to receive treatment.

In addition, one person with burn injuries has been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital for specialised care.

Authorities are continuing their investigation as the city deals with the aftermath of the incident.

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