New Delhi: A devastating fire in a multi-story apartment building in Delhi’s Dwarka area claimed the lives of a father and his two children on Tuesday morning.
The victims, residents of a duplex apartment spanning the eighth and ninth floors, perished after jumping from their balcony in a desperate attempt to escape the rapidly spreading blaze.
Yash Yadav (35), his 12-year-old daughter, and his 11-year-old nephew were identified as the deceased. Initial reports suggest the fire originated in a temple located on the eighth floor and quickly intensified, fueled by PVC panels.
According to police reports, the family initially attempted to flee the fire by ascending to the ninth floor. However, when the children were separated, Yash bravely returned to rescue them. Tragically, the fire had already engulfed the area, preventing their escape. While the children were pronounced dead upon arrival at Akash Hospital, Yash was declared dead at IGI Hospital.
Yash’s wife and his 18-year-old son sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Akash Hospital. The family was hosting Yash’s nephew and other relatives from out of town for a religious event held nearby in Mohan Gardens.
Eyewitness accounts and disturbing visuals from the scene depict the building consumed by flames, with residents trapped on balconies desperately calling for help.
The Delhi Fire Service received the initial call at 10:01 am and dispatched eight fire tenders to the scene. As the severity of the situation became apparent, additional units were deployed. “The fire could be seen from a long distance,” stated a fire officer at the scene.
“Black smoke was billowing out of the upper floors, and flames were leaping out of the flat.” Distressing videos captured by onlookers show the building ablaze, with one recording featuring a woman’s voice lamenting, “God help them!”
Authorities have evacuated all residents and shut off essential services, including electricity and PNG connections. The DDA and MCD have been notified to assess the building’s structural integrity.
Residents who managed to escape watched helplessly, praying for those trapped inside. Some residents on the sixth floor were seen breaking windows in an attempt to escape.
“We saw some residents trying to climb onto balconies and signal for help,” a local resident reported.
The Delhi Fire Service has confirmed that the firefighting operation is now complete. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
