Delhi fire kills 3, leaves 2 critical after blaze erupts in residential building

Three people, including a 22-year-old man and two women, were killed while two others remain critical after a fire broke out in a multi-storey residential building in southeast Delhi’s Tughlakabad area in the early hours of Friday, officials said.

According to officials, the fire was reported around 2.3am from Gali No. 1 in Tughlakabad. The blaze erupted in the parking area on the ground floor of a building comprising a ground floor and five upper storeys.

Eight residents trapped inside the building due to heavy smoke were rescued and rushed to Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS Trauma Centre.

Initial inquiry revealed that the fire appeared to have started due to an electrical short circuit on the ground floor. The flames quickly engulfed seven parked two-wheelers, including an electric scooter that was being charged.

Local police personnel immediately rushed to the spot and were soon joined by the SHO, ACP, additional DCPs and the DCP of the southeast district. Rescue operations for trapped residents were launched simultaneously. Four fire tenders, CATS ambulances and other emergency response units were also pressed into service.

According to Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officials, thick smoke rapidly spread through the building’s stairwell and upper floors, trapping several residents inside.

Locked gate cut open for rescue

Firefighters rescued five occupants from inside the building and shifted them to nearby hospitals through CATS ambulances. During the operation, DFS personnel climbed to the terrace, cut open a locked gate and rescued two girls who are suspected to have fled to the rooftop to escape the smoke, officials said. Another person was subsequently rescued as the operation continued.

Officials said the blaze was brought under control around 3.45am and completely doused by 4am.

On June 3, a massive blaze broke out in a bed and breakfast facility running in Hauz Rani where 23 people were killed.