The city today mourned the loss of three persons in the devastating D-Park market fire, as political leaders and representatives of trade bodies visited the site and met the bereaved families. The Haryana Government announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of those killed in the incident and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday, claimed three lives, gutted more than 10 shops and destroyed several two-wheelers parked outside the establishments. While the exact cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained, eyewitnesses claimed that it started following an explosion in the compressor of an air-conditioner inside a shoe showroom. The flames spread rapidly to adjoining shops, engulfing a large section of the market within minutes.
Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. The probe, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Narendra Kumar, has been tasked with determining the cause and circumstances of the fire and recommending preventive measures. The committee has been directed to submit its report within 15 days.
The DC has also constituted a separate four-member committee under the Joint Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation to assess the extent of damage and recommend relief and compensation measures. The panel will submit its report within a week.
The last rites of the victims were performed in a sombre atmosphere on Wednesday after post-mortem examinations were conducted. The charred bodies were identified by family members at PGIMS late on Tuesday night.
One of the deceased, Saurabh (25), owned a shoe showroom and ran the business with his elder brother, Chetan. The venture had been started by their father, Somnath Khurana. According to family members and acquaintances, the brothers had been planning to establish a shoe manufacturing unit.
“After the fire broke out, Chetan managed to come out of the showroom, but Saurabh remained trapped inside. From outside, Chetan called him and asked him to get out immediately, but Saurabh could not escape as a burning board fell and blocked the exit point of the shop,” said an eyewitness.
Another victim, Aman (38), worked at an adjoining shoe showroom.
“His family had recently celebrated his daughter’s birthday a few days earlier. He had earlier run his own shoe shop but later closed it to work at the D-Park showroom,” said a shopkeeper.
The third deceased was Kapil (50), who was employed at a shop in the market.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
“We pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the incident and assured full support from the state government during this difficult time. The state government remains committed to extending all possible assistance to the affected families and ensuring proper care for the injured,” Saini added.
Besides announcing financial assistance, the Chief Minister said the state government would ensure free medical treatment for all injured persons at government hospitals. He also directed the Deputy Commissioner to assess the losses caused by the fire and prepare a detailed report for further action.
