Tragic Fire Claims Two Lives in Delhi's Vasant Vihar Shelter

A tragic fire at a shelter in Vasant Vihar, Delhi, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, Arjun and Vikas. The incident, which occurred late Sunday night, has raised serious concerns regarding safety protocols and emergency response. Eyewitnesses reported a rapid spread of flames, leaving little time for those inside to escape. The police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire, with local residents highlighting issues related to the shelter's structure and the presence of a motorcycle blocking the exit. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in temporary housing facilities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 2, 2025, 09:17 IST

Fire Incident in Vasant Vihar

A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at a shelter in the Vasant Vihar area of southwest Delhi, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. An official from the Delhi Fire Service confirmed the incident.

The deceased have been identified as Arjun, aged 18, and Vikas, aged 42. The fire was reported at 3:28 AM at the shelter located in the Coolie Camp area of Vasant Vihar.

The official stated, "We dispatched four fire engines to the scene, and two individuals who suffered burns were transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead."

Details of the Incident

According to a police statement, the shelter is operated by the NGO 'SPYM', and at the time of the fire, seven people were sleeping inside.

A senior police officer noted that the Vasant Vihar police station received the fire alert around 3:15 AM. The officer added, "A team arrived at the scene, where firefighters were already engaged in extinguishing the flames. Five individuals were rescued, but Arjun and Vikas succumbed to their injuries."

Investigation Underway

The police reported that both bodies were found severely burned. Subsequently, a case was registered under sections 287 and 106 of the Indian Penal Code at the Vasant Vihar police station, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Witnesses from the local area described how the fire spread rapidly, leaving little time for those seeking refuge to escape. Amarjeet, a resident near the shelter, recounted, "I was asleep when I was jolted awake by a loud explosion around 3 AM."

Eyewitness Accounts

Amarjeet further explained that upon exiting, he saw the intense flames and noticed some individuals fleeing while others were shouting for help. "I tried to save everyone I could reach," he said.

He noted that the fire spread quickly, causing chaos in the narrow lanes as people attempted to rescue those trapped inside. Local residents also claimed that the structure of the temporary shelter contributed to the fatalities.

Munna Lal, the president of the Coolie Camp area, mentioned that a motorcycle parked inside the shelter blocked the only exit route. He stated, "A motorcycle was parked right where people were sleeping, and when the fire reached the vehicle's petrol tank, it exploded."

Concerns Raised

Munna added that panic ensued as soon as the explosion occurred. He expressed, "That bike should not have been there. If it hadn't been, perhaps both men could have escaped in time. The caretaker has been working there for six years, yet he parked his vehicle directly in front of the only entrance and exit."

He accused the caretaker of managing to escape but failing to alert others in time.