Early this morning, chaos erupted in Dwarka, a suburb of Delhi, after a massive fire broke out on the ninth floor of the Tabadya Apartment complex. According to eyewitnesses, the blaze started during a religious ritual (havan) being performed in one of the flats. The fire department was alerted at around 10:01 AM, and over a dozen fire engines rushed to the scene.

Desperate Escape and Tragic Injuries

As the fire quickly spread, panic ensued among the residents. Trapped by flames and unable to escape through the locked balcony gates, two children and a young man reportedly jumped from the ninth floor in a desperate attempt to save themselves. Other residents managed to escape gradually, but many struggled due to blocked exits and the lack of immediate assistance from neighbors.

Locals reported that the injured, including the two children and their father, were rushed to the hospital. Their condition is said to be critical, though there has been no official confirmation yet. Witnesses at the scene expressed frustration over the lack of community support, stating that timely help could have saved lives.

Delayed Response and Security Issues

Eyewitnesses also criticized the society’s security guards for preventing outsiders from entering the building to help during the emergency. Many believe that if residents had received prompt assistance—such as neighbors throwing mattresses down for those trapped above—lives could have been saved.

Initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by an LPG leak, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Residents allege that the fire started around 9:00 AM, but the fire department was informed only later, causing a delay in the rescue operation.

Ongoing Investigation

The authorities are currently investigating the incident, and further updates on the condition of the injured are awaited. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about fire safety, emergency preparedness, and community cooperation in high-rise societies across Delhi.