NEW DELHI: Firefighters encountered several challenges while battling a blaze in an east Delhi building on Tuesday, where a woman lost her life. The fire broke out in a five-storey building in Shakarpur, East Delhi, leading to the death of a 40-year-old woman named Anita.
The Delhi Fire Service successfully rescued 25 people from the incident.
Upon receiving the message around 1:05 am, three fire vehicles were initially dispatched, and as the fire escalated, five more fire engines were deployed. Eventually, over 20 fire engines were rushed to the scene as the flames consumed the entire left side of the building, according to Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg.
The primary challenges faced by the DFS included the absence of a water source at the location, hindering the refilling of fire vehicles. Additionally, a large crowd gathered to witness the incident, obstructing rescue operations. Garg stated that teams had to repeatedly request people to give them space for rescuing and transporting individuals to nearby hospitals.
Other challenges highlighted by the DFS chief included low-hanging electricity wires, festive lighting due to Diwali, and narrow streets. Garg emphasized that traffic is typically a significant issue for the fire department, but since the incident occurred late at night in Shakarpur, traffic was not a concern.
Garg urged spectators to understand the importance of staying away during emergency conditions, emphasizing the need for proper space for firefighters to assist others. He also noted the potential danger of LPG cylinders exploding and causing widespread fire in densely populated areas.
An initial inquiry revealed that the fire originated from a short circuit in the parking area on the ground floor. The police reported that the fire began in the parking area in the early hours of Tuesday, quickly engulfing the entire structure. Several individuals jumped from balconies in panic to save their lives, resulting in injuries. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway.
(With agency inputs)
