Nine Killed in Massive Fire at Residential Building in East Delhi

At least nine people lost their lives after a devastating fire broke out in a multi storey residential building in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area.

The incident occurred late Saturday night in a four storey building located in Shahdara. According to officials, the fire suddenly engulfed several flats, sending flames high into the sky and filling the surroundings with thick smoke. Panic spread quickly as residents rushed to escape.

Fire services received an emergency call at around 3:47 am, following which multiple fire engines were dispatched to the scene. Rescue teams worked through the night to bring the situation under control and evacuate those trapped inside.

Authorities said the fire affected flats on the second, third and fourth floors. Around 10 to 15 residents were safely rescued, while 16 people were pulled out in total. Two individuals sustained minor injuries and were admitted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment.

Despite rescue efforts, nine people died due to severe burns. The intensity of the fire made identification difficult, and officials stated that DNA testing may be required to confirm the identities of the victims. The bodies have been shifted to the hospital for further examination.

Local officials, including police and disaster management teams, reached the spot soon after receiving information. A total of 12 fire engines were involved in the operation.

While initial reports suggest that a short circuit might have caused the fire, some residents believe it could have been triggered by an air conditioner explosion. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause and have launched a detailed investigation.

Local representatives described the incident as deeply tragic, noting that some residents were unable to escape in time. Rescue operations and searches for any remaining victims continued as officials worked to assess the full extent of the damage.