Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, May 26: In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, May 26, two teenagers tragically lost their lives, while four others sustained burn injuries after a devastating fire broke out at an e-rickshaw charging and parking station in Delhi's Shahdara district.
The blaze, which reportedly erupted around 6:40 am near the Ram Mandir on Moti Ram Road in the Ram Nagar locality, swiftly engulfed a tin shed structure used both as a godown and a makeshift residence by a group of migrant workers from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
The deceased have been identified as Brijesh (19) and Maniram (18), both hailing from Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. According to preliminary reports, the two youngsters were fast asleep inside the structure when the fire broke out, leaving them trapped. Their charred remains were later retrieved by emergency responders once the flames were brought under control.
The 300 to 400 square yard premises served multiple purposes — a charging and parking station for e-rickshaws, a storage area for sugarcane juice machines, and temporary shelter for six young men who earned their livelihood selling sugarcane juice on their battery-operated rickshaws.
The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received a distress call at around 6:40 am. “The fire had already spread to most parts of the shed when our team arrived. It took nearly two hours, until 8:30 am, to fully extinguish the flames,” stated DFS Director Atul Garg. Five fire tenders were deployed to battle the blaze.
The injured, identified as Harishankar (19) from Tikamgarh, and Rinku (18), Mukesh (22), and Vipin (19) from Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district, were promptly shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. As per hospital sources, Harishankar sustained 45% burns, Rinku 30%, while Mukesh and Vipin had relatively minor injuries with 7% burns each.
An initial probe suggests an electrical short circuit could be the cause of the fire, though authorities have confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway. In a significant development, police have apprehended Vinod Rathore — the individual in charge of the premises — for suspected negligence. Rathore had rented the shed and was responsible for its overall operations.
Police officials have confirmed that further inquiries will focus on the fire safety standards of the premises and any violations thereof. "We will be thoroughly examining the premises for safety lapses and ensuring accountability," a senior officer stated.
This incident once again raises serious questions about fire preparedness and safety compliance in informal settlements and workstations, particularly those housing vulnerable migrant workers. As the families of the victims mourn their irreparable loss, the community is left grappling with yet another stark reminder of urban fire hazards.