NEW DELHI: A tragic fire broke out late Sunday night in a second-floor flat of New Slum Flats, Paschim Puri, leaving one woman dead and two individuals severely injured.
The police were alerted about the incident through a PCR call at the Punjabi Bagh Police Station.
According to the police, the incident was reported at approximately 10:30 PM, prompting a swift response from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) and local police.
The fire occurred in Flat No. C-27, part of a ground-plus-three-story DDA housing complex, spread rapidly through domestic articles.
A team of three fire tenders was dispatched to the site following the distress call. The affected flat, measuring approximately 40 square yards, is located near Krishna Clinic under the jurisdiction of Punjabi Bagh Police Station.
Upon arrival, DFS personnel discovered the charred body of a 65-year-old woman, identified as Nirmala.
Her body was handed over to the police.
Meanwhile, two other residents Prahalad (68) and his son Jitender (40) were rescued with burn injuries and transported to Acharya Bhikshu
Hospital by PCR.
The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving DFS and local police officers. Constables Nafe and Mohit, along with Sub-Inspector Sandeep, led the rescue.
Utilising a ladder sourced from a nearby residence, they managed to evacuate Prahalad and Jitender from the balcony.
Unfortunately, the fire’s intensity rendered any entry into the flat impossible, preventing the team from saving Nirmala.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A crime team and forensic experts from the FSL team have been called to the site for a detailed inspection. Statements from the injured individuals are being recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The incident has left the local community in shock, highlighting the vulnerabilities of high-density residential areas like New Slum Flats. Residents and officials are urging stricter fire safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Atul Garg, Director of Delhi Fire Services, confirmed the deployment of fire tenders and shared operational details. The DCP of West District also emphasized that further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stringent fire safety measures, especially in densely populated residential areas like New Slum Flats.