A horrifying tragedy struck Delhi’s Dwarka area on Tuesday morning when a massive fire engulfed the upper floors of a housing apartment in Sector 13’s Shapath Society. A father and his two children lost their lives after jumping from their eighth-floor balcony in a desperate bid to escape the flames.
Police reported that the children, a 10-year-old boy and girl, jumped first and were rushed to Akash Hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Their father, Yash Yadav, 35, followed shortly after and was declared dead at IGI Hospital. Yadav, who ran a flex board business, had been trying to save his family.
Yadav’s wife and niece were also injured and admitted to Akash Hospital. The fire broke out around 10:01 AM on the eighth and ninth floors of the building, located near MRV School. Initially, eight fire engines were dispatched, but the number increased as the fire intensified.
Flames and thick black smoke could be seen from far away, with videos on social media capturing the chaos and residents crying for help from balconies. Bystanders watched helplessly as the fire tore through the upper floors.
“All residents have been evacuated,” said a police officer. “Electricity and PNG connections have been shut, and DDA and MCD have been notified to assess structural safety.”
Residents on lower floors managed to flee quickly, while those on higher floors had a terrifying wait for rescue. Eyewitnesses saw some residents smashing windows and signaling for help. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown. Over a dozen fire tenders continue firefighting operations.
