Tragic Fire in East Delhi Claims Nine Lives, Including a Child

A devastating fire engulfed a residential building in Vivek Vihar, East Delhi, early on Sunday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine individuals, including a young child. The incident, which has shaken the local community, is believed to have been triggered by an explosion from an air-conditioning unit, as reported by officials from the Delhi Fire Services.

The distressing event unfolded around 3:48 AM when the fire broke out on the first floor of a four-storey building located in Vivek Phase-I. Firefighters received multiple emergency calls and promptly mobilized to the scene. According to Division Officer M. Verma, the flames quickly spread through various domestic articles, affecting six flats within the building. The bodies of the deceased were discovered on different floors and subsequently transferred to the Delhi Police’s crime team for further investigations.

Eyewitness accounts noted that the fire spread rapidly to the second, third, and fourth floors, posing a significant challenge for rescuers. Authorities managed to evacuate approximately 10 to 15 residents during the intense firefighting operation. Two individuals suffered minor injuries and were transported to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment. The firefighters skillfully brought the blaze under control by 6:25 AM and had completely extinguished it by 8 AM.

Local residents expressed their shock and sorrow over the incident, stressing the need for better safety regulations in residential buildings, especially those housing vulnerable populations. This tragedy comes amid growing concerns about fire safety protocols in urban areas, heightening the urgency for comprehensive reviews of safety measures in high-density housing.

As the investigation continues, the Delhi Police have initiated a thorough inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and to determine any lapses in safety compliance. The community mourns the loss of the victims, and support systems are being mobilized to assist the families affected by this heart-wrenching event.

Source: scroll.in