A fire that broke out in the parking area of a five-storey residential building in Delhi’s Tughlakabad area late on Thursday night left three people dead and six others seriously injured.
All injured persons were admitted to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
According to preliminary investigations, the fire originated from two-wheelers parked on the ground-floor parking area and rapidly spread through the entire building.
According to the Delhi Fire Service, an emergency call was received at around 2:35 a.m. Multiple fire brigade teams were dispatched to the scene immediately.
The fire spread rapidly, with smoke and flames reaching from the ground floor to the fifth floor within minutes. Firefighters brought the blaze under control by approximately 3:45 a.m. after nearly an hour of firefighting operations.
Local eyewitnesses said the fire first broke out in scooters and motorcycles parked in the building’s parking area. As the flames intensified, several vehicles reportedly emitted explosion-like sounds one after another.
According to reports, three scooters, two motorcycles and one bicycle were completely destroyed in the fire. Dense smoke also spread across the surrounding area.
Several residents became trapped inside the building after the fire spread. Firefighters faced difficulties during rescue operations because the building was located in a narrow lane.
Rescue teams reached the rooftop using ladders, broke open a locked access point and evacuated trapped occupants. Some residents were brought down using ladders and ropes.
During the rescue operation, firefighters safely evacuated several people, including two girls, through the rooftop. They were immediately transported to a hospital by ambulance.
Other residents were also lowered to safety using sarees and temporary ropes.
Authorities confirmed the deaths of one young man and two women in the incident.
Six people sustained serious burn injuries and remain under treatment in hospital. Officials said the condition of the injured is being monitored continuously, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit in parked vehicles or by a flammable substance in the parking area. The fire spread rapidly because of the number of vehicles present and the enclosed nature of the space.
Smoke and flames travelled from the ground floor to the upper levels, making evacuation difficult for residents.
Fire department officials said access for fire engines was restricted because the building was located in a narrow lane. Rescue efforts were further complicated by a locked rooftop door.
Firefighters broke the lock and continued rescue operations, helping evacuate multiple residents.
The incident caused panic in the area. Local residents assisted firefighters in evacuating occupants from the building.
Eyewitnesses said they attempted to douse the flames with water and helped residents escape through the rear side of the building.
Authorities said a detailed investigation is underway. Officials will also examine whether fire safety equipment was installed in the building.
The administration has indicated that fire safety audits of residential and commercial buildings will be enforced more strictly in the coming days.
