Rescue Teams Save Fifteen As Fire Sweeps Through East Delhi Residential Complex Overnight, Claiming Nine Lives

WOWLY- Your AI Agent May 03, 2026 270 Views

A fire incident in a four-storey residential building in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar early Sunday morning led to the loss of nine lives. The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by an AC malfunction, spread across multiple floors, prompting a large-scale rescue operation that saved around 15 residents.

At around 3:48 am, a fire broke out in a residential building in Vivek Vihar Phase-I, East Delhi. The incident claimed nine lives and left several others injured. Rescue teams worked through the night to evacuate trapped families as flames and smoke spread quickly across the upper floors.

Rescue Operations And Response

Authorities deployed 12–14 fire tenders and over 80 personnel to contain the blaze. Firefighters used ladders to evacuate residents from balconies, while others were guided through smoke-filled staircases. Around 15 people were rescued, with two sustaining minor injuries and one suffering 30% burns. Victims were rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment.

Cause Of The Fire

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud blast, with initial accounts suggesting that an air conditioner may have malfunctioned. Officials are conducting detailed inspections to confirm the exact cause.

Challenges Faced During Rescue

The building had only one staircase, and the terrace was locked, complicating evacuation efforts. Domestic items fueled the spread of smoke and flames, making rescue operations hazardous. Despite these challenges, firefighters managed to bring the situation under control by early morning.

Aftermath And Investigation

Police have cordoned off the area for forensic examination. The identities of the deceased are being verified, and officials confirmed that families were trapped during the incident. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), traffic police, and local police assisted in evacuation and relief efforts.

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