Skylift Failed, Cables Blocked Rescue: Probe Into Delhi Fire That Killed 9
A magisterial inquiry into a fatal Delhi fire that killed nine people has identified critical equipment failures and systemic lapses by multiple government agencies. The investigation revealed that a specialized Bronto Skylift failed to deploy due to technical issues and obstructions from low-hanging cables, preventing the rescue of a family trapped on a third-floor balcony.
Why it matters
The incident highlights severe deficiencies in urban disaster management and emergency infrastructure, raising urgent questions about the maintenance and operational readiness of firefighting equipment in densely populated cities.
People trapped on the third-floor balcony of a burning building in southwest Delhi's Palam could be seen waiting to be rescued.In the congested lane below, a specialised Bronto Skylift took position. But its hydraulic boom did not rise.Firefighters had to manually move low-hanging cables and remove banners. A manual ladder could not reach the balcony, while no effective alternative tall-reach equipment was immediately available.A second Skylift was called, but by the time it arrived, all nine members of the family trapped inside had died.A magisterial inquiry into the March 18 fire at a residential-cum-commercial building near Palam Metro Station has now identified lapses by multiple agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Fire Services and the Electrical Inspectorate.The fire killed nine members of a family across three generations, including three children.
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