New Delhi: A devastating fire at a residential building in Vivek Vihar claimed nine lives, including a toddler, with fire officials citing multiple structural and situational challenges that severely hindered rescue efforts.
According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), the blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday, rapidly engulfing a four-storey building and leaving residents trapped amid intense heat and thick smoke.
Fire broke out in early hours
Officials said they received a distress call at around 3.48 am reporting a fire on the third floor of an 800-square-yard building. However, investigations later indicated that the fire had originated on the second floor at the rear side and quickly spread to the upper floors.
At least 14 fire tenders were deployed, and around 15 people were rescued during the operation. Despite these efforts, nine residents succumbed, primarily due to smoke inhalation.
Iron grille and single exit blocked escape
Firefighters identified a massive iron grille covering the rear portion of the building as one of the biggest obstacles during the rescue operation. The structure effectively blocked any alternative exit route, leaving residents with limited escape options.
The building also had a single point of entry and exit, further complicating evacuation efforts. Fire officials said the absence of multiple exits significantly increased the risk and reduced the chances of safe evacuation.
Fire officer Manoj Tyagi, among the first responders, described the situation as extremely challenging. “We saved those in the front-facing flats, but when we moved to the rear, it became a nightmare due to heat and smoke,” he said.
Staircase unusable, lift blocked
Another major hurdle was the narrow staircase, which quickly filled with dense smoke and heat, making it inaccessible. The lift was also rendered unusable during the fire.
Fire officer Anoop Singh said there was no alternative path for evacuation. “The staircase could not be used, and the grille blocked any second exit. We had to use ladders from neighbouring buildings to reach and cut through the grille,” he explained.
Firefighters also relied on nearby homes to direct water towards the affected building, highlighting the extent of improvisation required during the rescue.
Exploding ACs and flammable interiors
Residents reported that air conditioners began exploding one after another as the fire intensified, further escalating panic and danger inside the building.
Officials noted that the presence of false ceilings, fibreglass materials, wooden furnishings, and decorative wall panels contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
These materials not only accelerated the blaze but also produced thick, toxic smoke, which made survival difficult for those trapped inside.
Locked terrace led to tragedy
A particularly tragic incident involved a family on the fourth floor—Nitin Jain, his wife Shailey, and their son Samyak—who attempted to escape by reaching the rooftop terrace.
However, both access doors to the terrace were locked. According to officials, the family collapsed due to heavy smoke inhalation before they could find a way out.
Victims succumbed to smoke inhalation
Authorities confirmed that several victims, including Arvind Jain (60), his wife Anita (58), their son Nishant (35), his wife Anchal (33), and their one-and-a-half-year-old child, died due to smoke inhalation.
Fire officials said these residents were unaware of the fire until it had already spread significantly, leaving them with little time to react or escape.
Eyewitnesses recount chaotic rescue
Eyewitnesses from neighbouring buildings described scenes of chaos and urgency. A resident, Namami Jha, said her family woke up to the smell of smoke and initially suspected their own air conditioner had caught fire.
She alleged that there was a delay in reaching emergency services, stating that her initial call connected to a control room outside Delhi before she was given local contact numbers.
According to her, it took around 15 minutes for fire services and police to arrive—a delay she believes worsened the situation as the fire spread rapidly during that time.
Residents and neighbours attempted to help by using mattresses, pipes, and blankets to rescue those trapped. Two girls from the second floor were reportedly saved through these efforts.
Conclusion: Safety lapses under scrutiny
The Vivek Vihar fire has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety compliance in residential buildings, especially regarding blocked exits, flammable interiors, and lack of emergency preparedness.
Authorities are expected to investigate the structural violations and circumstances that contributed to the high casualty count. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety norms to prevent such tragedies in densely populated urban areas.