- Rescue Efforts Continue After Devastating Blaze in Residential Area
NEW DELHI: At least 18 people have lost their lives and several others were injured after a massive fire engulfed a building in New Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, according to local media reports.
The devastating fire broke out in a building that housed a restaurant on the ground floor and residential apartments above, trapping several people inside as thick smoke spread throughout the structure. Local media reported that some of those killed or affected in the tragedy were foreign nationals who had traveled to India for medical treatment, adding to the grief surrounding the incident.
Firefighters rushed to the scene and managed to rescue 37 people from the burning building, fire official Abhilash Malik said.
Emergency teams battled intense flames and heavy smoke for hours before bringing the fire under control. The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.
Authorities recovered several bodies from the site, while rescue operations continued amid scenes of devastation.
Images from the area showed firefighters working through dense smoke to extinguish the flames. Local residents also played a role in the rescue effort, helping trapped people escape and carrying injured victims to safety.
Deadly fires remain a frequent concern in India, where violations of building regulations and safety requirements are often blamed for increasing the risks during emergencies.
The tragedy has once again raised questions over fire prevention measures, enforcement of safety laws and the protection of people living and working in crowded urban buildings.
Authorities are investigating the incident as families mourn the loss of their loved ones.
BY: The Times Union
