1-year-old among 9 killed in Delhi residential building fire, AC blast suspected

The bodies of the nine people killed in the blaze were recovered from the second floor of the building, while three others were found in the staircase. The body of one other person was recovered from the first floor.

In Short

• Fire breaks out at a four-storey building in Vivek Vihar
• AC blast suspected to be the cause of the deadly fire
• As many as 12 fire tenders rushed to douse the blaze

At least nine people have died, and four others have been injured in a fire that broke out in a four-storey residential building in Delhi's Vivek Vihar in the early hours of Sunday. Prima facie, the blaze is believed to have been caused by an AC blast.

As many as 12 fire tenders were rushed to the site following information about the fire.

The bodies of five of the nine people killed in the blaze were recovered from the second floor of the building, while three others were found in the staircase mumty, which was found locked. The body of one other person was recovered from the first floor.

Among those who lost their lives on the first floor, Shikha Jain (45), wife of Naveen, was found dead.

The victims on the second floor (backside) were Arvind, son of Chotte Lal (60), Anita Jain (58), Nishant Jain (35), Anchal Jain (33) and a one-year-old boy.

The deceased on the third floor belonged to a single family: Nitin Jain (around 50), his wife Shailey Jain (around 48), and their son Samyak Jain (around 25). Naveen Jain (48) was among the injured. Overall, four men, four women and one child lost their lives in the incident.

While over a dozen people have been rescued so far, it is feared that the death toll may rise further.

Information about the incident was received by authorities at 3.47 am.

Following the call, police officials immediately arrived at the spot. Fire trucks also reached the scene shortly after.

According to the police, the fire engulfed apartments on the second, third and fourth floors of the building, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

The exact cause of the deadly blaze is yet to be ascertained.

Reacting to the tragedy, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the incident was extremely tragic and expressed grief over the loss of lives. She added that the injured are undergoing treatment and wished for their speedy recovery, while assuring that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing all possible assistance.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the recovery of those injured.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena extended his condolences to the families of the victims. He said authorities have been directed to ensure all necessary medical assistance for the injured, along with immediate relief and support for those affected. He added that Delhi Fire Service personnel and emergency teams are working tirelessly on the ground to manage the situation and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength for the bereaved families.

"Around 10 to 15 people were rescued from the premises during the firefighting operation," a senior cop was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Two of them sustained minor injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment, the official added.

- Ends
(With inputs from agencies)