Nine members of a family, including three children, were killed in a devastating fire that gutted a multi-storey residential building in Palam, southwest Delhi, on Wednesday morning, while one of the survivors remains unaware of the tragedy unfolding around him.
Sachin (29), who sustained severe burn injuries while attempting to escape the blaze, is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Safdarjung Hospital. Doctors said he is responsive but in considerable pain, with burns on his hands, parts of his face and both legs.
Medical officials indicated that he would remain under close observation for at least 36 hours. Those accompanying him to hospital have not informed him of the deaths of his family members.
Survivor battles burns in ICU
Neighbours said Sachin was the first to notice the fire and tried to alert others. In the process, he attempted to open gates and reach the roof, suffering injuries as flames and smoke spread rapidly through the building.
“He is on oxygen support right now. His face has sustained burn injuries and his legs are injured while he tried to escape,” said neighbour Sumit Jain, who was present at the hospital.
Another resident, Deepak, recalled seeing thick plumes of smoke from a nearby flyover. “I was leaving for my office around 7 am when I noticed the thick ball of smoke coming from the building. I rushed to the spot,” he said.
The building, located near Ram Chowk Market close to Palam Metro Station, was engulfed by flames and dense smoke, preventing several family members from escaping.
Neighbours said many victims could not even reach the roof as the house filled with thick black smoke within minutes. The fire claimed nine lives, including three children, while three others were injured.
Massive rescue effort launched
Emergency services mounted a large-scale firefighting and rescue operation, deploying around 30 fire tenders and 11 ambulances. Personnel from the police, BSES, Air Force police and the National Disaster Response Force were also involved.
Officials said the fire has since been brought under control, and the area has been cordoned off.
A forensic team has been called in to examine the gutted structure and ascertain the cause of the blaze. Authorities are expected to investigate possible electrical faults or other triggers.
The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety compliance in densely populated residential areas of the capital.
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