A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in the Vivek Vihar area of Shahdara in Delhi, where a devastating fire ravaged a four-storey building early Sunday morning. At least 9 people lost their lives in the blaze, with many more left injured or missing.

The fire started around 3:13 am in one of the flats, and quickly spread to the adjacent units. The intense heat and smoke trapped many residents inside, making it difficult for them to escape. Firefighters responded quickly, and deployed 12 tenders to combat the blaze.

As the situation unfolded, residents who managed to escape spoke about the chaos and panic that gripped the building. Rohit, a resident who witnessed the fire, said that it was triggered by a blast in the air conditioner. "A blast in the AC triggered the fire," he told a local news agency. "Around 12-15 were rescued, but 4-5 people are still missing." Charanjit Singh, another resident, shared a harrowing account of the rescue operation, saying that more than 10 vehicles arrived, and around 20 people were rescued through the balcony.

The bodies of the victims were recovered from different locations within the building, with officials confirming that at least 9 people died in the fire. The cause of the fire remains unknown, with some speculating that it could have been triggered by a short circuit, while others blame the blast from the air conditioner. The investigation is ongoing, with DNA testing expected to aid in identifying the victims and determining the exact cause of the fire.

As the search for answers continues, the community is coming together to support those affected by the tragedy. Local officials are working to provide assistance to the families of the victims, and to ensure that those responsible for the fire are held accountable. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for prompt action in emergency situations.