Massive Fire Erupts in Delhi's Shastri Park Furniture Market
Fire Incident in Shastri Park
A devastating fire broke out late Friday night at the well-known furniture market located in Shastri Park, North East Delhi. The blaze quickly engulfed several shops, resulting in significant financial losses for the shopkeepers, amounting to millions of rupees. Officials from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) reported the incident on Saturday (May 23, 2026). Fortunately, firefighting efforts continued throughout the night, and there were no reports of injuries or casualties.
Local Reaction and Firefighting Efforts
Local residents expressed their frustration over the alleged delay in firefighting efforts by throwing stones at fire trucks. The DFS received the fire alert at 11:57 PM on Friday. According to a DFS official, the fire started in the furniture market near the New Seelampur Metro Station, where highly flammable materials contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
During the firefighting operation, some individuals attacked the firefighters, prompting a request for police assistance around 12:50 AM. A total of 25 fire engines were dispatched to the scene to combat the blaze. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined.
Assessment of Damage and Ongoing Investigation
Damage Assessment
Shopkeepers reported that the fire spread so swiftly that they had no time to salvage their belongings. Many traders lost their life savings in this incident, with damage estimates running into millions.
Statement from Fire Officials
"After extensive efforts, the fire has been completely extinguished. The cooling operation has been finalized. The precise cause of the fire is still under investigation by the police and forensic teams," stated a fire official. A short circuit is being considered as a potential cause, but the actual reasons will be clarified following police investigations and a security audit of the market.
