Ghaziabad Fire Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs to Three as Young Woman Succumbs
The devastating fire that engulfed a five-storey residential building in Khoda, Ghaziabad, has now claimed a third life. A 26-year-old woman named Neetu, who had been battling severe injuries on ventilator support, passed away during treatment at a Delhi hospital on Saturday. Her death follows the tragic loss of her parents, Rajendra Prasad and Meena Prasad, who succumbed to burns and smoke inhalation in the immediate aftermath of the blaze.
Family Devastated as Sister Remains in Critical Condition
Neetu's sister, Anjali, who was also rescued from the inferno, continues to fight for her life in critical condition. The family of four was found together inside their bedroom when the fire rapidly spread through the building. Officials confirmed that Neetu suffered extensive burns, similar to her parents, as flames consumed their living space.
Investigation Points to Electrical Short Circuit as Cause
Preliminary investigations by fire authorities strongly suggest that the catastrophic fire originated from a short circuit in the building's electrical panel located on the ground floor. The initial spark quickly ignited several two-wheelers parked in the stilt area, creating an intense fireball that rapidly intensified the blaze.
The resulting inferno produced massive amounts of toxic smoke that filled stairwells and corridors within minutes, effectively trapping numerous residents inside their apartments during the late-night emergency.
Midnight Horror in Densely Packed Residential Area
The fire broke out around 11:30 PM on March 3 in Birbal Nagar, a densely populated pocket within the Khoda settlement. The building, constructed in 2019 by a Noida-based developer, houses 43 families. Most residents were inside their homes when the disaster struck close to midnight, creating a particularly dangerous scenario.
Firefighters faced tremendous challenges rescuing trapped individuals through smoke-filled passages, but managed to save several residents who were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.
Widespread Displacement and Ongoing Safety Concerns
The fire has left dozens of families displaced from their homes, with many now temporarily staying with relatives, neighbors, or in emergency shelters. The damaged building remains structurally unsafe for habitation, creating an ongoing housing crisis for affected residents.
Local authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage while providing support to displaced families. The tragedy has raised serious questions about fire safety measures in densely populated residential buildings throughout the region.
