Nine people tragically lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a massive fire engulfed a four-storey residential building in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area early Sunday morning. The devastating blaze, which broke out around 3:48 AM, quickly spread across multiple floors, trapping residents inside.
Initial Cause Under Investigation
While the exact cause remains under official investigation, preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated from an AC blast. The flames rapidly consumed domestic articles within at least six flats, primarily affecting the second, third, and fourth floors of the building located in Vivek Vihar Phase-I.
Extensive Rescue Operations
Upon receiving the alert, police, fire, and disaster management teams swiftly responded to the scene. A total of 12 fire tenders were deployed, working alongside teams from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), traffic police, and local police. Firefighters launched extensive rescue and evacuation operations, managing to pull 10 to 15 people from the burning premises. Two individuals, who suffered minor injuries, were transported to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment.
Victims Found Across Multiple Floors
The intensity of the fire made identification challenging for many of the victims. Fire officials reported recovering nine charred bodies from various locations within the building: one from the first floor, five from the second floor, and three from a locked staircase mumty. Among those initially identified were Shikha Jain (45) from the first floor, and Arvind (60), Anita Jain (58), Nishant Jain (35), Anchal Jain (33), and a one-year-old boy from the second floor. A single family—Nitin Jain (around 50), his wife Shailey Jain (around 48), and their son Samyak Jain (around 25)—were found on the third floor. Naveen Jain (48) was among the injured survivors.
Official Statements and Ongoing Search
Local Municipal Councillor Pankaj Luthra, who arrived at the scene, stated that positive identification for some victims would likely require DNA testing due to the severity of their burns. "Identification is currently impossible," Luthra told reporters, noting that four men, four women, and one child were among the confirmed deceased. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Shahdara district, Rajendra Prasad Meena, confirmed that the search operation was ongoing to ensure no other victims remained. Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances that led to this tragic incident.