‘Iron grills, locked terrace’: How Delhi residential building became its own death trap

A devastating pre-dawn fire in Delhi's Vivek Vihar claimed nine lives after trapping residents in a four-storey building. Protective grills and a locked terrace blocked escape routes, hindering rescue efforts. The blaze, suspected to be from a short circuit, rapidly spread, leaving many unable to flee the inferno. Fifteen individuals were saved, but nine perished.

By TOI CITY DESK

“Iron grilles, locked terrace door, single entry-exit, central locking”: How a Delhi fire tragedy killed nine members of three families in a four-storey building

By Alok Singh

‘Staircase was blocked, balcony grilled’: Residents recall desperate escape during Delhi’s Vivek Vihar fire

The blaze, which reportedly ignited between 3:13 am and 3:47 am, spread with terrifying speed across multiple flats on the second, third, and fourth floors.

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Though some managed to brave their way through the smoke-filled corridor and rushed to find their way to the terrace, the door was locked.