A blaze that broke out in a New Delhi building on Sunday providentially spared the flats of many residents, but it left them deeply traumatised. So much so that a significant number of them are uncertain about returning to their homes.
Survivors recount harrowing escape
Punit Kumar Jain, whose first-floor flat remained intact, broke down in front of reporters on Monday. He recounted the terrifying moments: “Naveen (Jain) ran up to our door and rang our bell, after which all of us rushed out. Had he not done that despite having suffered burn injuries, we would have lost our lives.”
As the 68-year-old teared up while looking at the charred walls of the building, his wife, Rani Jain, tried to console him. She said, “At least we managed to make it out alive. We are grateful that our lives were saved.”
Punit’s family of six, which includes an eight-year-old child, is currently staying with relatives in Shiv Vihar. Uncertainty looms over their next steps. “We are not sure if we want to return,” he said.
Physical and emotional aftermath
The sexagenarian was seen waiting on the ground floor, where a heap of salvaged belongings of the residents lay scattered — mattresses, bags and sacks stuffed with clothes. Meanwhile, Rani had made her way upstairs with her daughter-in-law, both using torches to navigate the dark interiors.
For several families whose flats were partially damaged, the immediate challenge is to rebuild. One resident, whose walls have turned black with soot, said he is trying to decide his next steps before returning, though he hopes to move back soon.
Throughout Monday, families shuffled in and out of the building, taking turns to retrieve whatever they could. Punit and a relative were seen carrying tiffin boxes and other essentials to their temporary shelter in Shiv Vihar.
Like him, most of the residents of the building have taken refuge with relatives for now. “But how long can one live like this?” asked Kamal Goyal, a 50-year-old businessman, who has put up in Krishna Nagar. “We want to return, but we first need to understand how the building will be rebuilt.”
Emotional toll haunts survivors
Yet, beyond the physical damage, some were heard discussing whether they will be able to handle the emotional toll of returning. One resident said the images of the victims will continue haunting him, making it difficult for him to stay in the building. “I don’t feel I can move back,” he said.
The fire has left deep scars on the survivors, both visible and invisible. While some are determined to rebuild and return, others are grappling with the trauma and uncertainty of their future in the same place.
