fire-engulfs-mps-apartments-near-parliament

A massive fire broke out at Brahmaputra Apartments on Baba Kharag Singh Marg on Saturday , opposite Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where several Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs reside. The blaze began around 1.10 pm and spread rapidly through the lower floors of the building, sending thick black smoke into the air.

 

The Delhi Fire Services received a call at 1.22 pm and immediately dispatched 14 fire tenders to the spot. The flames were brought under control by 2.10 pm. Officials confirmed that there were no casualties. However, residents claimed that a few children were injured and taken to RML Hospital for treatment.

 

According to residents, the fire originated on the stilt floor, where household storage materials and furniture were kept. The blaze reportedly began after firecrackers landed on a pile of couches, igniting the area. The flames quickly spread, damaging portions of the upper floors.

 

The apartment complex, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, houses both MPs and their staff. The lower quarters are occupied by staff, while the MPs’ flats begin from the fourth floor. Residents said most of the severe damage occurred on the stilt floor, though some external damage was reported on the upper levels.

Also read: Massive fire halts flights at Dhaka International Airport

 

Many residents lost personal belongings, including documents, jewellery, clothes, and essential household items. The affected families have sought assistance and temporary accommodation until restoration work is completed.

 

Authorities said the Delhi Police have begun an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.

 

The building, located less than two kilometres from Parliament House, remained cordoned off in the evening as fire officers inspected the premises for safety hazards.

 

This is the second major fire in the national capital in recent weeks and has raised questions about fire preparedness in high-security residential complexes.

Despite its modern design and safety features, the cause of the fire remains unclear, with residents shocked that such an incident could occur in one of the city’s most secure government housing complexes.