NEW DELHI: At least nine people were killed after a massive blaze broke out in a residential building in Shahdara in the early hours of Sunday.The fire is believed to have started due to an AC blast.
According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), a call regarding the fire was received at 3.27 am, following which 14 fire tenders and over 80 fire personnel were rushed to the spot.The flames were brought under control by around 8 am after a prolonged firefighting operation.DFS officials said at least nine people were rushed to hospital.According to Delhi Police, fire was found in flats situated on the second, third and fourth floors.During rescue and firefighting operations, 10–15 persons were rescued from the building, out of whom two persons, who sustained minor injuries, were shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for medical treatment.Twelve fire tenders were at the spot along with DDMA staff, traffic officials and local police.A resident, Rohit, said, “a blast in the AC triggered the fire. Around 12–15 people were rescued. The fire started at around 3.13 am. Fire tenders arrived at around 3.35 am,” he said.Officials said the exact cause of the blaze is still being ascertained.CM Rekha Gupta posted on X, “The fire incident in a building in Vivek Vihar is extremely tragic. The loss of 9 lives in this accident has left me deeply distressed. Treatment of the injured in the accident is ongoing at the nearest hospital, and I pray for their swift recovery. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the affected families. I pray to God to grant them the strength to endure this difficult time”.“All senior officials of the local administration, DDMA, Delhi Fire Service, and Delhi Police are fully engaged with utmost promptness in relief and rescue operations. The situation is being continuously monitored, and every possible assistance is being ensured for those affected. Our local MLA and municipal councilors are also extending their support in the relief efforts. The Delhi government stands firmly with the affected families in every situation during this difficult time,” she added.
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