New Delhi, May 3 Residents of Delhi's Vivek Vihar recalled the horror of the massive fire that broke out at a four-storey building early on Sunday morning, killing nine people and injuring several others.
According to the police, seven people are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
The fire broke out on the second floor of the building at around 4 a.m., after which 14 fire engines were dispatched to the scene. During the rescue and relief operations, over 10 people were rescued, officials said.
"The fire broke out on the second floor of the building, and that is why no one had the chance to escape. It is suspected to be a short circuit; however, the investigation is underway. My friend and his family were killed in the incident. Several lives have been lost. The fire was so huge that it took two hours for the fire officials to control it," a local told IANS.
Meanwhile, Shahdara MLA Sanjay Goyal also arrived at the spot and expressed distress over the incident.
Speaking to IANS, Goyal said, "The information about the fire was received around 4 a.m., after which the fire and rescue officials reached the spot. The fire was massive and resulted in the deaths of nine people. The fire spread from one floor to another, due to which people were not able to escape."
Local municipal councillor Pankaj Luthra told IANS that the bodies were charred and are unidentifiable. "Five bodies were found on the second floor, and it is difficult to identify whether they are men or women. One body was found on the third floor...and several bodies were also discovered on the top floor. The bodies are in such conditions that one cannot identify them. The fire spread from the second floor, and the cause is under investigation," he said.
Upon receiving the information, police staff, along with the Vivek Vihar SHO and ACP, immediately proceeded to the spot. The fire brigade and crime team also reached the spot at premises No. B-13, Vivek Vihar Phase I.
They added that the fire was brought under control by 6 a.m., and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital.
Speaking to the reporters, DCP (Shahdara) Rajendra Prasad Meena said, "Early in the morning, around 4 a.m., a call was received about a fire. Fire tenders and local police were immediately rushed to the spot. It took about two hours to bring the fire under control, after which search operations were carried out... Six to seven injured people were shifted to a hospital for emergency treatment."
"The search and rescue operations are still underway," he added.
During rescue and fire-extinguishing operations, 10/15 persons were rescued from the building, of whom two sustained minor injuries and were shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for medical treatment.
During the preliminary enquiry, it was found that nine persons have lost their lives. Further enquiry and proceedings at the spot are in progress.
The officials said that the cause of the fire is not yet known.
Further details are awaited.
--IANS
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