A tragic fire at a permanent shelter for homeless individuals in Delhi's Vasant Vihar area has claimed one life, with the exact cause of the blaze still under investigation, police confirmed on Tuesday, December 3, 2025.
How the Fire Started and Spread
According to police officials, the incident occurred at the Coolie Camp shelter, a structure built from corrugated tin sheets. The shelter was closed from the inside when the fire first ignited. Preliminary findings from investigators point to a corner of the shelter as the origin, with a short circuit being the most probable cause.
The initial flames quickly reached a pile of mattresses stored in the corner. The fire then escalated rapidly, shooting up to the roof within seconds. An officer involved in the probe explained the dangerous construction: "The roof was lined with thin layers of thermocol and plastic sacks for insulation. This material is highly inflammable and contributed to the fast spread."
A Fatal Delay and a Narrow Escape
The investigation reveals a critical turning point. The fire was initially contained because the closed door limited oxygen supply. However, when occupants opened the door to flee, a rush of oxygen fueled the flames, making the blaze unmanageable.
One of the victims, identified as Arjun, is believed to have died near the shelter's entrance. Shelter caretaker Vikas shared a heartbreaking detail: "Arjun could have escaped, but I think he instinctively turned back to grab his phone. In that split second, the fire intensified." Vikas also suggested another possibility—that Arjun, found with his phone still connected to a charger, may have been electrocuted when the wires melted in the heat.
Police are awaiting postmortem reports to confirm whether the cause of death was burns or suffocation. Forensic teams have collected samples from the site to determine the fire's exact cause.
A Potential Catastrophe Averted
In a stroke of incredible luck, the fire completely missed two gas cylinders placed inside a makeshift kitchen within the shelter. This averted a much larger disaster. Vikas highlighted the danger: "During the day, the shelter doubles as a tuition centre for older children, and food is prepared there. If the cylinders had exploded, the fire would have spread to the densely packed houses behind the shelter. The entire camp could have perished."
The bodies are currently undergoing DNA sampling for formal identification before being handed over to the families. The incident has cast a spotlight on the safety conditions and construction materials used in shelters housing some of Delhi's most vulnerable residents.
