New Delhi, June 12: A devastating fire that broke out in a five-storey residential building in Delhi’s Govindpuri area during the intervening night of June 11 and 12 claimed three lives and left two members of the same family battling for survival.
The incident occurred in Tughlakabad Extension under the jurisdiction of Govindpuri Police Station in South East Delhi. Delhi Police said a PCR call reporting the fire was received at around 2:31 AM, triggering an immediate emergency response.
Massive Rescue Operation Through the Night
Soon after receiving information about the blaze, local police personnel rushed to the spot and were joined by senior officers, including the Station House Officer (SHO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police of South East District.
Firefighters, police teams and emergency responders launched a large-scale rescue operation as thick smoke engulfed the building, trapping residents inside their homes.
Four fire tenders, CATS ambulances and other emergency services were pressed into action to rescue occupants and bring the fire under control.
Eight Residents Pulled Out of Smoke-Filled Building
Officials said dense smoke spread rapidly through the residential structure, making evacuation difficult.
In a coordinated rescue effort, eight residents were safely evacuated from the building and rushed to Safdarjung Hospital and the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.
The operation continued for several hours as emergency teams searched floor by floor for trapped occupants.
Three Members of a Family Among Dead
Authorities have confirmed that three members of the same family lost their lives in the tragedy.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Pankaj (28), son of Subhash, resident of RZ-1/173, Third Floor, Gali No. 1, Tughlakabad Village.
- Guddi (50), wife of Late Subhash and mother of Pankaj.
- Soni (20), daughter of Subhash and sister of Pankaj.
Police said the victims were trapped inside the building as smoke rapidly spread through multiple floors.
Two Relatives Remain Critical
Two other members of the family remain in critical condition and are undergoing treatment.
They have been identified as:
- Moni (18), daughter of Subhash and sister of Pankaj.
- Pankaj’s grandmother, aged around 70 years, whose identity is yet to be formally confirmed by authorities.
Doctors are closely monitoring both patients, who suffered severe smoke inhalation and other injuries during the incident.
Short Circuit Suspected as Probable Cause
Initial inquiries suggest that the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit on the ground floor of the building.
According to investigators, the flames quickly spread and engulfed seven parked two-wheelers, including an electric scooter that was reportedly connected to a charger at the time of the incident.
Officials stressed that this remains a preliminary assessment and that the actual cause of the fire will be established only after a detailed forensic and technical investigation.
Detailed Investigation Underway
Delhi Police and fire department officials are conducting an extensive inquiry into the incident.
Forensic experts are expected to examine the electrical systems, fire patterns and structural conditions of the building to determine the exact cause of the blaze and identify any possible safety violations.
Police said all aspects of the incident are being investigated and further action will be taken based on the findings.
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns regarding fire safety compliance, emergency preparedness and electrical safety measures in densely populated residential neighbourhoods across the national capital.
