Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 3: At least nine persons lost their lives after a massive fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar area of Shahdara in Delhi in the early hours of Sunday.

According to reports, the blaze erupted between 3.30 am and 4 am on the second, third and fourth floors of the building when most residents were asleep, triggering panic among occupants.

On receiving the alert, emergency services rushed to the spot and launched an extensive rescue operation. Around 10 to 15 people were rescued from the building, while two persons who sustained minor injuries were shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment.

Firefighting operations were carried out with the assistance of 12 fire tenders. Personnel from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), traffic police and local police also joined efforts to control the fire and aid in rescue work.

Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, though some suspect an air-conditioner blast as the trigger. BJP MLA Sanjay Goel stated that residents rushed to the top floor in a bid to escape, but were unable to access the terrace as the door was locked.

Fire officials revealed that the building had only one staircase and the terrace door was locked, significantly hampering evacuation and worsening the tragedy.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep anguish over the incident, calling it “extremely tragic.” She confirmed that rescue and relief operations were underway and the situation was being closely monitored.

“The loss of nine lives has left me deeply distressed. Treatment of the injured is ongoing, and I pray for their speedy recovery. My condolences are with the bereaved families,” the chief minister said in a post on X.

She added that senior officials from the local administration, DDMA, Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Police were actively involved in relief efforts, assuring that all necessary assistance is being extended to the affected families.