A major fire at a residential building in southeast Delhi’s Tughlakabad area claimed three lives and left two people in critical condition early Friday, June 12, 2026, officials said. The fire was reported around 2.30 am from Gali No. 1, where flames broke out in the parking area on the ground floor of a multi-storey building.
The building had a ground floor and five upper storeys. Officials said thick smoke quickly moved through the stairwell and upper floors, trapping several residents inside while they were asleep. The deceased included a 22-year-old man and two women. Eight residents were rescued and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.
Blaze started in ground-floor parking area
Initial findings suggest that the fire may have started due to an electrical short circuit on the ground floor. The flames spread across the parking section and damaged seven two-wheelers, including an electric scooter that was reportedly being charged.
The situation became dangerous as smoke filled the building faster than residents could safely escape. In residential fire accidents, smoke inhalation often poses the biggest threat, especially when stairwells become blocked by fumes.
Delhi Police personnel reached the scene soon after the emergency call was received. Senior officers, including the SHO, ACP, additional DCPs and the southeast district DCP, also arrived at the location as rescue work continued.
Firefighters cut open locked terrace gate
Delhi Fire Services sent four fire tenders to the spot, while CATS ambulances and other emergency teams were also deployed. Firefighters rescued five people from inside the building and later climbed to the terrace, where they cut open a locked gate to save two girls who had reportedly moved to the rooftop to escape the smoke.
Another person was rescued later during the operation. Officials said the fire was brought under control around 3.45 am and fully doused by 4 am.
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the Tughlakabad fire and whether any fire safety lapses, blocked exit points or electrical faults contributed to the tragedy. The incident has renewed concern over fire safety in crowded residential buildings, particularly where vehicles and electric scooters are parked or charged overnight.
