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Three people were killed in a massive fire that broke out at the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) staff quarters in Adarsh Nagar early on Tuesday, officials said.
The fire erupted on the second floor of one of the residential buildings, triggering panic among residents in the area.
Officials identified the victims as Ajay (42), his wife Neelam (38), and their 10-year-old daughter, Janhvi. Fire personnel found all three dead during the rescue operation.
According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), they received a distress call at around 2:39 AM, reporting a fire on the second floor of a building within the DMRC staff residential complex.
Fire engines and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the spot.
When firefighters arrived and began search and rescue operations, they discovered the bodies of the three victims inside the premises, officials said.
During the operation, one firefighter sustained injuries and was later provided medical attention.
Authorities confirmed the deaths and said that the fire had already spread extensively by the time emergency teams reached the location, making rescue efforts extremely challenging.
Probe Underway
Police officials said they have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. Forensic teams will inspect the site, while officials record statements from residents and other authorities. Relief teams continue operations, and officials await further details.
The tragic incident comes just a day after another fire broke out in a top-floor flat of a five-storey building in Mandawali on Sunday.
According to DFS officials, a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire.
During the Mandawali incident, the blaze injured three firefighters, and officials rushed them to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials later confirmed that all injured personnel are out of danger.
Police investigations revealed that a short circuit in a room heater initially caused the Mandawali fire, which spread rapidly.
Although the resident managed to escape and alert the fire services, a cooking gas cylinder exploded during the firefighting operation, leading to injuries.
Concerns over fire safety in the national capital have intensified amid reports of severe staff shortages within the Delhi Fire Services.
According to DFS statistics, the department currently has only 18 assistant divisional officers (ADOs), against an approved strength of 24.
These officers conduct fire safety inspections and ensure compliance at over 5,000 establishments across Delhi, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, clubs and commercial complexes.
Officials warn that the shortage of both supervisory and frontline personnel has led to staff overload, potentially impacting the city’s overall fire preparedness and response capabilities.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged residents to follow fire safety norms strictly and ensure regular checks of electrical appliances to prevent such tragedies.
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