New Delhi: A second fire started on Wednesday night in the same building in southwest Delhi’s Palam Village where nine people of a family died in a massive blaze that gutted their home and shop. Police suspect the residual heat in the building could have been a reason for the flare-up, which was quickly brought under control.The second fire has raised serious concerns about the potential for another hazard within the structure in a crowded and heavily populated area. Authorities remained on high alert to prevent more flare-ups.A senior police officer said that combustible materials on the premises, aided by strong winds, started the fire at night. “The residual heat in the building is likely to have caused the fire,” he said.The officer said the intensity of the first blaze also delayed inspection and investigation into what caused the fire on Wednesday morning in the shop that Rajender Kashyap and his family ran.On Thursday, a forensic science laboratory (FSL) team went to the site to collect samples of burnt debris, particularly from the ground floor, which is suspected to be the point of origin of the blaze. Preliminary findings suggest a possible short circuit near a switchboard. “The team has found indications of a short-circuit-like condition near a switchboard; however, the final report will provide clarity,” an FSL official said.The official added that on the first day, collecting body parts and other evidence was a challenge due to the intense heat trapped in the structure. Multiple teams on Thursday examined the electrical load on meters, internal wiring and overall infrastructure to identify faults. Investigators are also analysing CCTV footage and videos shared by local people on social media to trace how and where the blaze began.Rajender Kashyap was brought to the site to assist authorities. “There were almirahs and other items that needed to be identified, so he helped us,” an officer said.
