A young couple running a grocery store in Outer Delhi died tragically on Friday night after a fire, sparked by a short circuit, trapped them inside their shop, leading to fatal suffocation.
Fire Breaks Out on Shop Porch
The incident occurred around 8 pm on Friday, December 6, 2025, in the Tikri Kalan area of Mundka. According to police, the victims, identified as Vineet (31) and his wife Renu (29), were present inside their small grocery shop when the blaze began.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Sachin Sharma stated that information was received about a fire at Khasra no. 34/16/2, School Wali Gali, Lekhram Park. A police team rushed to the location and found the fire had erupted outside the shop on the porch area.
Trapped by Flames and Smoke
Initial investigation revealed the cause was a suspected short circuit at the shop's counter. The electrical fault ignited plastic packets kept on the counter, quickly spreading flames.
In a desperate bid to escape the advancing fire, the couple allegedly brought down the shop's main shutter from inside. However, this action proved fatal as thick, toxic smoke began filling the enclosed space. Police said the couple tried to open the shutter again but were unable to do so, becoming completely trapped.
"Because of the fire and smoke, the couple was unable to come out. In an attempt to escape, they lowered the shutter but got trapped inside, leading to severe suffocation," DCP Sharma explained.
Rescue Attempt and Tragic Outcome
The police team, upon arrival, forced open the shutter using a wooden log. Vineet and Renu were immediately pulled out and shifted to Oscar Hospital in Bahadurgarh for emergency treatment.
Tragically, the young couple was declared dead on arrival by the hospital authorities. The primary cause of death has been attributed to suffocation from the intense smoke inhalation, with the fire blocking their only exit.
This heartbreaking incident in a densely populated part of Outer Delhi has highlighted the ever-present dangers of electrical faults in small commercial establishments, especially those where families live and work in close quarters. It serves as a grim reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and clear escape routes.
