Rescue delayed as gate bolted and burning

Fire officials struggled to reach victims trapped in Dwarka house; DFS says this year's fire toll doubled compared to 2023

- UJWAL JALALI

WHEN the fire department personnel arrived at the scene of tragedy at Chhawla area in Dwarka, the four victims were still alive, desperatety trying to escape the inferno even at the cusp of death. According to the personnel deployed at the scene, two among the deceased had even tried to save themselves by placing wet cloth on their faces, to avoid inhaling the toxic smoke. Their corpses were found with cloth wrapped around their faces.

Meanwhile, data released by the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) came as a grave revelation number of deaths in fire-related accidents in the national capital has spiked by over 100% when compared to the figures from the same period in 2023. According to the data, 83 people were killed in fires till June 25, 2024. 39 people had died during the period last year. The data also relvealed.

RESCUE DELAY PROVES FATAL