Deadly blaze in New Delhi: nine killed in residential building fire

At least nine people were killed and several others injured after a devastating fire tore through a residential building in New Delhi, with early reports pointing to a possible air-conditioner explosion as the trigger.

According to local media, the blaze broke out on the second floor of a building in the Vivek Vihar area and quickly spread to the third and fourth floors. Within minutes, flames and thick smoke engulfed large sections of the structure, trapping residents and causing panic in the densely populated neighborhood.

Emergency responders, including fire brigade teams and rescue personnel, rushed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. A large-scale operation was launched to evacuate residents, with dozens pulled to safety. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, where some are reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the fire. While several residents have suggested that an air-conditioner unit may have exploded, officials say a thorough investigation is underway to determine what sparked the blaze.

Experts note that air-conditioner-related fires, though relatively rare, can occur due to electrical faults, short circuits, poor maintenance, or overheating, especially during periods of heavy usage in extreme heat. Faulty wiring, low-quality components, and lack of regular servicing can significantly increase the risk of such incidents, particularly in older buildings with outdated electrical systems.

Officials are expected to release further details once the investigation progresses, as questions remain about safety standards and preventive measures in residential complexes.