A fire in a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar, Shahdara, Delhi, early Sunday resulted in at least nine deaths and multiple injuries, with an initial probe indicating an air conditioner blast as the cause.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
At least nine people died and several others were injured after a fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in the Vivek Vihar area of Shahdara in Delhi early Sunday. Fire brigade personnel, police teams and local residents rescued around 15 people from the building. The injured were taken to hospital, where two people remain under treatment. A search operation was ongoing to ensure no one remained trapped inside.
Timeline of the Incident
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident began at approximately 3:13 am when an air conditioner installed on the upper floor exploded. The fire spread rapidly to the second, third and fourth floors within minutes, leaving several residents with little time to react.
Local resident Rohit stated that people attempted to evacuate after hearing cries for help, but many were trapped inside due to smoke and flames. Fire brigade teams reached the site at around 3:35 am and initiated rescue and firefighting operations.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters used ladders and hydraulic equipment to evacuate residents through balconies and windows. More than 12 fire tenders were deployed at the site. Police and traffic department teams secured the area and assisted in the rescue operation.
Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajendra Prasad Meena said information about the fire was received at around 4 am. The fire was brought under control after several hours of effort, by which time multiple fatalities had occurred. He added that search operations continued to ensure no individuals remained inside the building.
Role of Local Residents
Local resident Charanjit Singh said neighbours risked their lives to help evacuate several people. He said some residents managed to escape through flats located at the rear of the building, while concerns remained for one or two families who were believed to be trapped for a prolonged period.
Concerns Over Fire Safety
Residents in the area called for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms in older and densely populated localities. Preliminary information indicated that the building lacked adequate firefighting equipment and had limited emergency evacuation arrangements.
Experts stated that regular fire audits, safe electrical wiring and periodic inspection of electrical appliances are necessary in residential buildings.
Recent Fire Incidents
Recent fire incidents in Delhi and nearby regions have been increasing. Experts said rising pressure on air conditioners and electrical equipment during summer contributes to such incidents.
A similar incident occurred on April 29 in Rajasthan’s Alwar district on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, where six people died after a moving car caught fire. The victims included five members of a single family from Sheopur district in Madhya Pradesh who were returning from Vaishno Devi.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident and are examining the exact cause of the fire.
