Delhi Hotel Fire: Eight People Evacuated in Dramatic Paharganj Rescue Operation
In a dramatic and high-stakes rescue operation, eight individuals were successfully evacuated from two adjoining hotels in central Delhi's bustling Paharganj area early on Thursday. The emergency unfolded after a devastating blaze ripped through one of the hotels, creating a perilous situation for guests and rescuers alike.
Early Morning Alert and Immediate Response
Police were alerted at 3 am about the fire that broke out at the reception on the ground floor of Hotel Pallavi Palace. This establishment operates out of a four-storey building located on Arakashan Road. Upon receiving the distress call, a swift response team comprising firefighters and personnel from the Nabi Karim police station rushed to the scene.
Upon arrival, the rescuers were met with a chaotic and dangerous scenario. The fire had already engulfed the entire building, and thick, choking smoke filled the 18-room hotel. Frantic cries for help echoed from those trapped inside, making it clear that evacuation would be extremely challenging.
Ingenious Rescue Strategy Amidst Flames
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Anant Mittal explained that the main entrance was completely blocked by the intense flames, preventing a direct entry for the rescue teams. After a rapid assessment of all available options, the decision was made to enter the burning building from the adjoining hotel to safely evacuate those trapped while minimizing risk to the rescuers.
Constables Feru, Sanjay, and Mukul were deployed to the rooftop of the neighboring building. The flames were dangerously close, nearly licking this hotel as well. From this vantage point, the police officers spotted three guests trapped on the fourth-floor balcony. They were trying to escape but found themselves boxed in by an iron grill and a glass barrier.
"We assured them they will be evacuated," one of the constables recounted. Within minutes, the team smashed through the barriers and brought the three individuals down to safety, marking the first successful phase of the operation.
Daring Entry and Critical Evacuations
The operation entered its most dangerous phase when the rescuers set foot on the terrace of the burning Pallavi Palace. Inside, screams echoed through the smoke-filled corridors, guiding the team to those in distress. The rescuers quickly navigated to the second floor, where they found three people, all suffering from varying degrees of burn injuries.
These individuals were carefully carried back to the terrace and then transferred to the safety of the adjoining hotel. After receiving immediate medical attention on the spot, they were rushed to a hospital in ambulances. One of them suffered severe 60% burn injuries and is in critical condition, while the two others sustained 10% burn injuries.
In another section of the second floor of Pallavi Palace, the rescuers discovered two guests who were still asleep in their rooms, completely unaware of the unfolding danger. The doors were broken open, and they were safely evacuated without injury. A thorough check of the remaining rooms in the hotel was conducted to ensure no one was left behind, confirming that all guests had been accounted for.
Cause of the Blaze and Firefighting Efforts
The blaze, which is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit at the reception area, presented a significant challenge to firefighting teams. Approximately 70 firefighters worked tirelessly to combat the flames, successfully dousing the fire by around 4:30 am. Their coordinated efforts were crucial in preventing the fire from spreading further and in supporting the rescue operations.
This incident highlights the critical importance of fire safety measures in densely populated urban areas like Paharganj. The bravery and quick thinking of the police and firefighting personnel undoubtedly saved lives, turning a potential tragedy into a story of resilience and effective emergency response.
