Fire breaks out at parking lot of building in Delhi, residents evacuated
New Delhi, July 21
A major tragedy was averted as all residents were safely evacuated after a fire broke out at a parking lot of a building in Delhi's Fateh Nagar area and quickly spread to all the four floors. Officials said that no casualties were reported from the site of the incident.
An official statement said that on July 21, a PCR call regarding a fire at H. No. D-177, Fateh Nagar, Delhi was received at Hari Nagar Police Station. On receipt of the information, SI Rajender along with ASI Ashok, ASI Surender, HC Omprakash Swami, HC Virender and other police personnel immediately reached the spot.
According to officials, the fire had reportedly started in the parking area, likely due to a short circuit, and had spread to all four floors of the residential building.
The Fire Service personnel also reached the spot. However, due to the narrow lanes, the fire tenders could not reach the affected building. The police staff, with the assistance of the Fire Service, immediately launched a rescue operation using ladders to evacuate the trapped residents.
During the rescue operation, a woman, identified as 40-year-old Sakshi, panicked and attempted to jump from the first floor. The police staff promptly arranged mattresses because of which she landed safely without sustaining any injury.
Further, officials said that an elderly couple were trapped on the third floor of the building as the woman had undergone hip replacement surgery three-four days earlier and was unable to move. Despite their initial reluctance to leave the house, the police staff persuaded them to evacuate. The woman was shifted onto a wheelchair and safely brought downstairs by HC Omprakash Swami and other police personnel, along with her husband.
As the fire spread rapidly, two LPG cylinders kept on the top floor of the building, burst into flames. However, no resident sustained any injury.
According to official sources, nine people in all, were rescued safely from the building.
Moreover, SI Rajender sustained an injury to his right leg while evacuating the residents.
Further enquiry is being carried out regarding the cause of the fire.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Another day, another fire 🔥. Delhi's old buildings with narrow roads are ticking time bombs. Short circuits in parking lots are so common - builders and RWAs need to follow fire safety norms strictly. That lady jumping in panic shows how unprepared people are. Glad the police had mattresses. But why no proper fire escapes? 😤
As someone living in a similar congested area in Delhi, I feel this could have been way worse. The rescue team's quick action with ladders and mattresses saved lives. But honestly, the lack of fire safety audits and proper planning in our cities is alarming. Time to demand better infrastructure.
Respect to SI Rajender and the team for risking themselves. But why are such rescues always done manually? Ladders in narrow lanes - also, why are there no fire hydrants? This is a wake-up call for the government to fix urban planning. Also, hope residents learn not to jump in panic - but in that moment, can't blame her. Stay safe, Delhi!
Good that no one died, but this is pure luck. In many Indian cities, narrow lanes make it impossible for fire trucks to reach. Plus, LPG cylinders in buildings - those are bombs waiting to go off. Need stricter laws and community awareness. Also, that elderly couple's story is heartwarming - police persuasion saved them. 🙌
Every summer, we get such news. This is why I always tell people to have fire extinguishers at home and know exit routes. Also, appreciate the police woman who talked to that elderly couple. But why aren't
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