A devastating fire broke out in a residential building in east Delhi's Jhilmil area on Wednesday, claiming the lives of nine people and leaving several others injured. The blaze, which started around 4:30 am, was caused by an electrical short circuit, according to preliminary investigations.
Details of the Incident
The fire erupted on the ground floor of a three-storey building, which housed a paint and hardware shop. The flames quickly spread to the upper floors, trapping many residents. Firefighters received an alert at 4:38 am and rushed 15 fire tenders to the spot. The operation to douse the flames and rescue people took over three hours.
Among the deceased were three women and a child, while 11 others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals. Several victims succumbed to suffocation and burns. The injured are being treated at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital and other medical facilities.
Rescue Operations
Delhi Fire Service officials said that the narrow lanes in the area made it difficult for fire tenders to reach the spot. Firefighters used ladders to rescue people from the upper floors. The building's ground floor was completely gutted, and the upper floors suffered extensive smoke damage.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the fire. The building owner is being questioned. Preliminary reports suggest that the building lacked proper fire safety measures, including fire extinguishers and emergency exits. The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety in residential areas, particularly in congested parts of the city.
Local residents alleged that they had repeatedly complained about illegal storage of flammable materials in the building, but no action was taken. Authorities have promised a thorough inquiry and strict action against those responsible.
