At least three individuals lost their lives in a significant fire that erupted in a building in Delhi’s Tughlakabad area early on Friday. The fire, which started at 2:24 a.m., occurred in a five-story residential building situated in Tughlakabad Extension, Govindpuri, Delhi. Local authorities, including the SHO, ACP, Additional DCPs, and the DCP of the South East district, swiftly responded to the incident.
Rescue operations were promptly launched to assist the residents trapped in the building. Eight individuals, affected by heavy smoke, were successfully evacuated in a coordinated effort and taken to Safdarjung Hospital and the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Unfortunately, three fatalities have been confirmed, including a 22-year-old man and two women, with two others in critical condition.
Preliminary investigations indicate that an electrical short circuit on the ground floor may have sparked the fire, which quickly spread and engulfed seven parked two-wheelers, including an electric scooter that was being charged. The exact cause of the fire will be determined following a detailed inquiry. Delhi Fire Services Assistant Divisional Officer Yashwant Singh Meena mentioned the challenges faced due to the building’s location in a narrow street, comprising a ground floor and five upper floors.
Responding to the emergency, the department dispatched various firefighting units to the scene, including water tenders, water bowsers, a breathing support unit, and a Quick Response Vehicle. Additional support was sent after receiving distress calls. An eyewitness recounted the fire’s escalation and the subsequent arrival of the fire brigade to manage the situation. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain more details about the incident.
