Fire in Southeast Delhi Residential Building Kills 3, Injures 2

Trapped residents made desperate escapes using sarees from windows as flames and thick smoke engulfed the structure. NEW DELHI: A fire broke out in a five-storey residential building in southeast Delhi’s Govindpuri in the early hours of Friday. The incident occurred around 2.30am in Tughlakabad Extension, killing three people and leaving two others critically injured. As thick smoke and flames engulfed the structure, residents made frantic attempts to escape. Some climbed out of windows using sarees, while others shouted for help from the rooftop, police said. Neighbours recalled scenes of panic and desperation. Rajan, a resident of the area, said smoke was first noticed around 2 am and soon filled the narrow lane where the building stands, news agency PTI reported. “We tried dousing the fire, but two-wheelers parked inside the building were already in flames. Since there were flammable materials, it helped the fire spread through the whole building,” he said further. With smoke spreading rapidly inside the building, trapped residents had little choice but to seek alternative escape routes, eyewitnesses said. “People saved their lives by using sarees to climb out of windows. Many people managed to get out through the back door of the building,” Rajan said. Neelu Devi, a local resident, said, “The smoke had entered our building as well. As soon as we realised it, we ran out of our houses.” Another neighbour said cries for help could be heard from the rooftop as the fire intensified. Police said a PCR call about the fire was received at the Govindpuri police station at around 2.31 am. Soon after, officials began rescue operations amid heavy smoke rapidly filling the building. Eight people were rescued and taken to Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment, PTI reported. The deceased were identified as Pankaj (28), his mother Guddi (50), and sister Soni (20), all residents of the third floor. Two other family members—an 18-year-old woman and their 70-year-old maternal grandmother—suffered critical injuries. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor from Tughlakabad Extension, Chaudhary Bhagbir, said the incident was purely accidental and there was no indication of foul play. “It can happen anywhere. It was an accident,” he said. Police said a preliminary inquiry suggests the blaze may have originated from an electrical short circuit on the ground floor. The exact cause is under investigation.(With agency inputs)