Massive Fire Claims Four Lives in South Delhi Residential Building
A devastating fire ripped through a four-storey residential building in south Delhi's Sangam Vihar area on Saturday evening, claiming four lives and leaving one person injured in what officials are calling a preventable tragedy.
The blaze, which started around evening hours, quickly engulfed the entire structure, trapping residents inside as thick smoke filled the narrow escape routes. Fire officials confirmed the building had no fire safety arrangements whatsoever, creating death trap conditions for those inside.
Victims Identified in Tragic Incident
Among the deceased were 38-year-old Satender Gupta and his sister Anita, whose charred bodies were discovered in a room adjacent to the footwear shop where the fire originated. A third victim was removed from the building before emergency services could arrive, while a fourth injured woman succumbed to her injuries during treatment at a local hospital.
In a desperate bid to survive, one woman leaped from the building's terrace, sustaining injuries but managing to escape with her life. She is currently receiving medical treatment for her injuries.
Fire Safety Violations Exposed
Fire department officials conducting preliminary investigations revealed shocking safety lapses that contributed to the high casualty count. The building had only one narrow entry-exit point and almost no ventilation, allowing toxic smoke to rapidly accumulate and block escape paths.
Four fire tenders and twenty firefighters battled the intense blaze for hours before finally bringing it under control around 7:55 PM. The operation was complicated by the building's poor construction and lack of basic fire safety infrastructure.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, examining whether the building had obtained necessary safety clearances and what specific violations contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of fire safety violations in residential buildings across Delhi, particularly in densely populated areas like Sangam Vihar where construction norms are often flouted.
