Fire breaks out in Shahdara building, nine rescued

New Delhi: A fire broke out in a five-storey residential building at Mansarovar Park in east Delhi’s Shahdara early on Sunday. Firemen rescued nine trapped residents, including women and children, by placing ladders against their balconies on different floors.

All nine suffered breathing-related problems due to smoke inhalation and were admitted to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital under the observation of chief medical officer Dr Madhu. None had burn injuries and were later discharged.

Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a call regarding the blaze at 12.03 am. Four fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Firemen launched the rescue operation and safely evacuated the nine residents: Ananya (12), Renu Garg (19), Prateek Garg (19), Tanishka Soni (19), Vanshika (20), Arun Garg (48), Durgesh (49), Yogesh Verma (50) and Raj Rani (65). They were taken to hospital in ambulances.

The fire was brought under control at 12.40 am. The entire operation concluded at 1.40 am. DFS officials said timely intervention by its personnel prevented the blaze from spreading to the upper floors.

“The fire was triggered by a short circuit in a motor on the ground floor and spread through the parking area, where it remained confined,” a police officer said. DFS officials said domestic articles kept in the parking area caught fire. Thick smoke quickly spread through the structure, trapping the nine residents.