Delhi Fire Heroes Recall Race Against Time to Rescue Trapped Guests

When disaster struck and systems struggled to respond, it was ordinary residents who became the first line of rescue.

As a devastating fire tore through the Flourish Stay B&B in south Delhi’s Hauz Rani area on Wednesday morning, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more, local residents risked their own lives to save those trapped inside the smoke-filled building.

Amid scenes of panic and desperation, guests screamed for help from windows while others leapt from upper floors to escape the flames. Before emergency services could fully mobilise, residents rushed into action, improvising rescue measures that would ultimately help save several lives.

Mattresses Turned Into Lifelines

Among the first to respond was local resident Mohammad Afzal, who described how he and others quickly devised a way to help trapped occupants survive their jumps from the building.

“When my brothers and I arrived, the fire had already spread. We immediately brought mattresses from a nearby shop and laid them on the road below. We urged people to jump onto them. Some managed to escape that way and survived,” Afzal recalled.

As the fire intensified, residents coordinated with police and fire services while continuing their rescue efforts.

“Once the firefighters arrived and brought the blaze under control, we entered the building and helped bring people out,” he said.

The mattresses that became makeshift safety nets were provided by a nearby shop owner who did not hesitate despite the damage to his merchandise.

According to Afzal, bedsheets from the same shop were also used as improvised stretchers to carry injured victims to safety.

Medical Training Put to the Test

Another key figure in the rescue effort was Waseem Raja, a resident of Hauz Rani who works at Max Hospital.

Drawing on his emergency-response training, Raja helped administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to victims suffering from severe smoke inhalation.

“We are trained to respond to mass-casualty situations. As soon as I reached the site, I began helping those who had collapsed due to smoke inhalation,” Raja said.

He remained in contact with hospital authorities while assisting survivors and helping transport them to ambulances.

Many victims, he said, had not suffered burn injuries but had lost consciousness after inhaling large amounts of smoke.

“We performed CPR whenever necessary. Some people could be revived, while others unfortunately could not be saved,” he said.

Residents Join Rescue Operations

Several other locals also joined the rescue operation, including individuals with firefighting and emergency-response training.

One resident said he entered the building alongside firefighters once they arrived and helped evacuate occupants trapped inside.

“We started rescue operations as soon as we reached the spot. Later, we went inside with the fire brigade and brought people out. Some survived, while others did not,” he said.

A Father-Son Duo’s Selfless Act

Among the most remarkable stories to emerge from the tragedy was that of Riyazuddin Mansoori and his son Arman Mansoori, owners of a nearby mattress shop.

Without hesitation, they emptied their store and spread mattresses across the road beneath the burning building, creating a landing area for those forced to jump from windows.

The dramatic images of survivors leaping from the building and landing safely were made possible by their quick thinking.

The pair also provided bedsheets that rescuers used to carry victims and assist emergency efforts.

Their actions came at a significant financial cost, but they placed saving lives above protecting their business.

Courage Amid Tragedy

The bravery of local residents could not prevent the immense loss of life, but their swift response undoubtedly saved many people who might otherwise have perished.

As Delhi grapples with one of its deadliest fire tragedies in recent years, the actions of these residents stand as a powerful reminder that heroism often emerges not from official institutions but from ordinary citizens willing to act when lives are at stake.