Firefighters deployed 14 tenders and rescued over a dozen residents as the blaze spread rapidly through upper floors.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 3, 2026 — At least nine people were killed and two others injured after a devastating fire broke out early Sunday in a four-storey residential building in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area, officials said.
The blaze was reported around 4:00 a.m. from the second floor of the building and quickly spread to the upper levels, fuelled by intense heat and thick smoke. Firefighters rushed to the spot with 14 fire tenders, launching a large-scale rescue and firefighting operation.
More than a dozen residents were evacuated from the building, while the injured were shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment. Officials said the fire was brought under control by around 6:00 a.m., after nearly two hours of continuous effort.
Visuals from the site showed extensive damage, with upper floors charred and smoke still rising even after the flames were doused.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Rajendra Prasad Meena said emergency services responded immediately after receiving the alert. “Fire tenders and local police were rushed to the spot. After bringing the fire under control, search operations were carried out,” he said.
Police confirmed that all bodies have been recovered and handed over for further examination. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. However, a local resident claimed that an air-conditioner blast may have triggered the blaze. Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the cause.
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#दिल्ली के शाहदरा स्थित विवेक विहार में चार मंजिला इमारत में भीषण आग लगने से 9 लोगों की मौत हो गई, जबकि 12 लोग झुलस गए. आग सुबह तड़के लगी. दमकल विभाग ने मौके पर पहुंचकर राहत-बचाव कार्य शुरू किया है. @DelhiPolice @DelFireService @gupta_rekha @AamAadmiParty @ArvindKejriwal #Delhi pic.twitter.com/Lx9Y5fxA7E
— Journalist Ravendra kumar (@Chhotukingoffi1) May 3, 2026
Fire Safety Concerns in Focus
The incident has once again drawn attention to persistent gaps in fire safety compliance across Delhi’s densely populated residential areas. Many older buildings, particularly in East Delhi, are not equipped with basic fire prevention and response systems such as functional fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, or clearly marked emergency exits.
Urban planning experts note that narrow lanes in colonies like Vivek Vihar often hinder quick access for fire engines, delaying response times during critical moments. In addition, illegal modifications—such as extra floors, enclosed balconies, and overloaded electrical systems—can significantly increase fire risk and accelerate the spread of flames.
Authorities including the Delhi Fire Service have repeatedly flagged non-compliance with mandatory safety norms under the National Building Code of India. These include requirements for fire-resistant construction materials, proper wiring, regular safety audits, and accessible evacuation routes.
However, enforcement remains uneven. Regular inspections are often limited, and many residential societies either lack awareness or fail to implement corrective measures. Fire safety drills, which are critical for preparedness, are rarely conducted in most housing clusters.
Experts stress that a combination of stricter enforcement, public awareness, and retrofitting of older buildings is urgently needed to prevent such tragedies. As investigations continue, the Vivek Vihar fire stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting basic safety norms in rapidly growing urban neighbourhoods.
