Iron Grills, Smart Locks, Nets: Delhi Building Became a Death Trap During Fire, Kills Nine

Iron grills, smart door locks that malfunctioned, and a cramped layout turned a residential building in east Delhi into a death trap on Sunday, as a fast-moving fire killed at least nine people and injured four others. The combination of structural design flaws and safety measures that failed under stress left residents with virtually no escape.

The blaze broke out in a four-storey building in Vivek Vihar around 3:40 am, jolting at least eight families awake from their sleep. A distress call was made to the fire department at 3:47 am, followed by ambulance services arriving minutes later. Firefighters reached the spot around 4:05 am and began rescue operations amid thick smoke and rapidly spreading flames.

The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) deployed around 12 fire tenders , supported by police, traffic personnel, and disaster management teams. Rescue operations continued for hours before the fire was brought under control.

Officials recovered nine charred bodies from different floors, one from the first floor, five from the second, and three near a locked staircase area , which severely restricted evacuation.

Preliminary inputs suggest a possible short circuit or AC blast triggered the fire, though confirmation is awaited.

Investigators also flagged major fire safety violations , including iron window grills, locked terrace access, smart door locking systems, and a single narrow staircase , which together blocked escape routes. Some residents reportedly attempted to reach the terrace but found it inaccessible.

Around 10-15 people were rescued, while the injured were shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital . A detailed probe is underway.