A massive fire broke out in a residential building in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar, killing nine people, including a toddler, on a early Sunday morning.
Around 20 residents were rescued during the operation.
According to Delhi Fire Services, a call about the blaze was received at 3:47 am, following which multiple teams were rushed to the spot. By 5 am, at least 14 fire tenders were deployed to control the fire, which spread rapidly across nearly six flats after initially catching household items.
What caused the fire?
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said the fire may have started due to a fault in an air conditioner unit. "The fire services received the first call at 3:45 am, and the first fire brigade reached the spot at 3:52 am. About 14 fire tenders were deployed, and 20 people have been saved by authorities," he said.
He added that "such sparking in wires, especially at night time when people are sleeping, is a matter for investigation."
Sachdeva also claimed that a delivery agent was the first to notice the fire. "In his statement to the police, the delivery agent said that he spotted sparking in the AC outlet outside," he said, as per media reports.
He further stated that the situation worsened quickly as residents tried to escape. "The terrace door was also shut, blocking another escape route," he added.
BJP MLA Sanjay Goel said, "A short circuit is said to be the main cause behind this incident. However, some are saying it happened because of a blast in the AC."
Officials suspect that a short circuit in an AC unit on the second floor may have triggered the blaze.
Police identified the deceased as Shikha Jain (45), Arvind (60), Anita Jain (58), Nishant Jain (35), Anchal Jain (33), Master Akash Jain (1.5), Nitin Jain (50), Shailey Jain (48), and Samyak Jain (25). Another resident, Naveen Jain (48), was injured in the incident.
The bodies have been sent to Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, where identification procedures are ongoing. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Quoting residents, Hindustan Times reported that a first-floor resident said he woke up to chaos after neighbours rang his doorbell repeatedly. "When I woke up, I saw the back portion of the building was on fire. I somehow managed to escape from my house. The entire staircase was blocked due to the fire. Residents from flats located at the back of the building got trapped as there was no escape. Their balcony is blocked by a grill."
Another resident said they remained trapped for nearly 90 minutes before being rescued. "We were stuck inside for an hour and half," she said.
'Extremely Tragic': CM Rekha Gupta
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the incident "extremely tragic" and said the loss of lives had left her "deeply depressed."
"Treatment of the injured in the accident is ongoing at the nearest hospital, and I pray for their swift recovery. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the affected families. I pray to God to grant them the strength to endure this difficult time," she said.
She added that authorities are actively managing relief efforts. "Our local MLA and municipal councillors are also extending their support in the relief efforts. The Delhi government stands firmly with the affected families in every situation during this difficult time."
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu also expressed condolences and said officials have been directed to ensure all necessary assistance for the injured and affected.