3am AC blast? Short circuit? How fire raced through locked, grilled Delhi Shahdara flats; 9 dead

A devastating fire, possibly triggered by an AC blast or short circuit, swept through a four-storey building in Vivek Vihar, east Delhi, killing nine people. The blaze, which started around 3:47 am, rapidly spread, trapping residents behind locked doors and grilled windows. Firefighters rescued about 15 people, but nine bodies were recovered from various floors.

By TOI CITY DESK

Toddler among 9 killed, AC blast suspected: What we know about massive fire in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar

Residents in the area suggested that an air conditioner blast may have triggered the fire, though officials have not confirmed the cause yet.

Family of 5, including an infant, among 9 killed in Vivek Vihar building fire in Delhi

Charred Bodies, Debris: Video Shows Grim Aftermath Of Delhi Building Fire

The fire broke out on the second floor of the building around 4 am today, following which as many as 14 fire engines were rushed to the spot to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations.