A devastating fire broke out in a residential building in Shahdara, Delhi, in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in the tragic deaths of five members of the same family. The victims have been identified as Nishank Jain (35), his wife Aanchal (33), their 18-month-old son Akaay, and Nishank’s parents, Arvind (60) and Anita (58).
The Sequence of Events
The family was preparing for a celebratory weekend, having planned to join other relatives for a birthday gathering at a resort in Manesar on Sunday. Nishank’s elder brother, Deepak, and his family had already arrived at the resort, while the rest of the family was scheduled to travel the following day.
At approximately 3:45 AM, as the fire spread rapidly through the building, Nishank made a desperate, final phone call to his brother Deepak, pleading for help before the connection was lost. Family members later sent their driver to the residence to investigate, but by the time help arrived, the situation had already become fatal.
Building Hazards and Safety Concerns
The building, a stilt-plus-four-floor structure, housed eight families. Initial investigations by the police and fire department suggest that the fire may have been triggered by a malfunctioning air conditioner on the second floor.
Residents and family members have highlighted several critical safety failures that exacerbated the tragedy:
- Blocked Escape Routes: The entire backside of the building had been sealed with iron grills, leaving residents with no secondary escape route or emergency staircase.
- Locked Terraces: Survivors and witnesses reported that those attempting to flee to the terrace were unable to open the door, potentially due to having the wrong keys, leaving them trapped as the fire intensified.
- Delayed Response: While a senior fire official stated that teams were dispatched immediately upon receiving the first call at 3:47 AM, local residents alleged a significant delay, claiming they were unable to reach the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) emergency numbers initially.
Ongoing Investigation
The Delhi Police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident. A multi-departmental investigation involving the police, fire department, and electricity department is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and to identify any lapses in building safety compliance. This tragic loss has deeply impacted the community, highlighting the urgent need for strict adherence to fire safety norms in residential buildings.