9 killed in fire at residential building in New Delhi

At least nine people were killed after a major fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in the Vivek Vihar area of New Delhi.

Authorities said the blaze was triggered by an air-conditioner explosion in a room on the top floor of the building on Sunday (May 3), quickly spreading to the second, third and fourth floors, reports India Today.

Twelve fire tenders were deployed to the scene and brought the fire under control after intensive efforts, while rescue operations continued, officials added.

Shahdara District Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajendra Prasad Meena said most of the bodies were recovered from the second floor, where the fire was most intense.

Police confirmed that at least 20 people were rescued from the building with the assistance of disaster response teams and local authorities.

Of the injured, two have been admitted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital with minor injuries, while several others are undergoing treatment for smoke inhalation.

A municipal official said multiple bodies were recovered from different parts of the building, with some victims severely burnt, making identification difficult.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.