A devastating fire that broke out in a five-storey residential building in Delhi’s Tughlakabad Extension during the early hours of Thursday claimed three lives and left two others critically injured, officials said.
The fire was reported at approximately 2:31 am, prompting an immediate response from police, firefighters, and emergency medical teams. Rescue personnel successfully evacuated eight residents trapped inside the smoke-filled structure and shifted them to nearby hospitals, including Safdarjung Hospital and the AIIMS Trauma Centre.
Authorities confirmed the deaths of 28-year-old Pankaj, his mother Guddi (50), and his sister Soni (20). Meanwhile, Pankaj’s younger sister Moni (18) and their 70-year-old maternal grandmother remain in critical condition.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit on the ground floor. Officials are also examining whether an electric scooter that was reportedly charging at the time contributed to the incident.
According to fire department officials, the flames originated in the basement parking area and quickly spread through several parked two-wheelers before engulfing multiple floors of the building. Thick smoke rapidly filled the premises, trapping residents inside their homes.
Five women were among those rescued during the operation. Emergency teams battled the fire for several hours before bringing it under control.
Police and fire department officials have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The incident has once again raised concerns about electrical safety and fire preparedness in densely populated residential buildings across the capital.
