A devastating fire broke out in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar on Sunday, killing four people and injuring at least 12 others. The incident triggered panic in the densely populated locality as flames rapidly engulfed a residential building during the early hours of the day.
According to officials from the Delhi Fire Services, the fire was reported in a multi-storey building in Vivek Vihar, following which multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Thick smoke and intense flames made rescue operations challenging as firefighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control.
Authorities confirmed that four people lost their lives in the incident, while 12 others sustained injuries, including burns and suffocation due to smoke inhalation. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, and some are reportedly in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses said residents screamed for help as smoke spread rapidly through the building. Several people were trapped inside their homes when the fire intensified. Local residents and emergency teams joined hands to evacuate families from the affected structure.
Fire officials stated that the blaze spread quickly due to combustible materials inside the building. Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire, though the exact cause will be determined after a detailed forensic examination.
Rescue personnel used ladders and breathing equipment to enter smoke-filled sections of the building and evacuate stranded residents. Some victims were reportedly rescued unconscious and later revived by medical teams at the scene.
Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are also checking whether fire safety norms were properly followed in the building.
Senior district officials visited the site to assess the situation and supervise relief efforts. The administration has assured support for the affected families and announced that further action will be taken based on the investigation findings.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety preparedness in residential areas across Delhi. Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for regular electrical inspections, functional fire exits, and emergency response awareness in crowded urban neighbourhoods.
Meanwhile, residents in the area expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives. Several families who escaped the blaze narrowly described the incident as terrifying, saying the smoke spread within minutes and left little time to react.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and immediately report electrical faults or fire hazards, especially during the summer season when fire-related incidents tend to rise.
