Delhi Fire Breaks Out in Flats; Damage Contained, Says Commissioner

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A fire in a residential building in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area on May 3, 2026, killed at least nine people, including a one-year-old child and injured several others. The blaze, which began in the early hours of Sunday, was confined to the flats at the back of a four-story building in Vivek Vihar Phase-I, according to Mukesh Verma, the divisional commissioner of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS).

The fire broke out around 3:47 AM, with firefighters rescuing approximately 10 to 15 occupants from the building. The injured were rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is suspected to be an explosion in an air conditioning unit, though an official investigation is ongoing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “extremely distressing.” In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim, along with ₹50,000 for the injured.

The loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Delhi’s Shahdara district is extremely distressing. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PMO statement

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and assured all possible support for the affected. Local leaders, including Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and East Delhi MP, visited the site and met with the families of the victims, offering their condolences and support.

Rescue operations continued throughout Sunday as authorities worked to ensure the safety of residents in the area. The Delhi Fire Service confirmed that the blaze was brought under control, but the investigation into the cause remains ongoing.

This tragedy has raised concerns about fire safety in residential buildings, particularly in densely populated areas of Delhi. Authorities have yet to release further details on the cause of the fire or any potential safety violations that may have contributed to the incident.

For those affected by the tragedy, the Delhi government has assured relief and support. Families of the deceased and injured are urged to contact local authorities for assistance.