New Delhi: A devastating fire broke out in a residential building in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, claiming at least nine lives, including five members of a single family, in one of the most tragic incidents reported in the city recently.
The fire is suspected to have been triggered by an air-conditioner (AC) blast, though the exact cause is still under investigation. The incident occurred in a four-storey building, where six flats were engulfed in flames, leading to widespread destruction and chaos.
Emergency services rushed to the spot after receiving a call around early morning. Multiple fire tenders, ambulances, and police teams were deployed, and the area was cordoned off as rescue operations began. Authorities managed to rescue 12 to 15 people, while several others were initially reported missing.
According to preliminary reports, several victims were found trapped inside the building, with some attempting to escape towards the terrace but unable to do so due to locked access points. Many bodies were severely charred, making identification difficult, and officials have indicated that DNA testing will be required to confirm identities.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the fire spread rapidly following the suspected explosion, leaving residents with little time to react. Fire personnel had to use specialised equipment to rescue individuals trapped inside, including cutting through barriers to reach those stranded on upper floors.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased include one child and eight adults, and the death toll could have been higher if rescue teams had not acted swiftly. The fire department has brought the blaze under control, but cooling operations and search efforts are still ongoing.
The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in residential buildings, including maintenance of electrical appliances, emergency exits, and accessibility during crises.
Officials have assured a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, while grieving families and local residents remain in shock over the tragic loss.
