New Delhi, March 18 Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry into the fire incident at a multi-story residential building in southwest Delhi's Palam on Wednesday, and announced financial assistance for the victim families.
In a post on X, Gupta expressed her distress over the tragedy.
Announcing compensation, the chief minister said that families of the deceased adults will receive ₹10 lakh each, while families of deceased minors will be given ₹5 lakh. Those seriously injured in the incident will receive immediate assistance of ₹2 lakh.
"A magisterial probe has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and to prevent such incidents in the future," Gupta said.
She added that the government is committed to ensuring relief, support, and all necessary assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Calling the loss of innocent lives "heartbreaking," she extended her condolences to affected families.
Delhi Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that all necessary support is being extended.
"Deeply distressed by the fire incident in a residential building near Palam metro. My thoughts are with those affected by this tragic loss," he said in a post on X.
Sandhu, who chaired his first Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting on Wednesday, directed a comprehensive fire audit across the capital.
Nine members of a family, including a 70-year-old woman and three of her granddaughters, were killed after a massive fire tore through a multi-story residential building in southwest Delhi's Palam area on Wednesday morning, officials said.