A devastating fire broke out early Sunday in a four-storey residential building in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area, reportedly triggered by an air conditioner explosion. The blaze, which began around 4 a.m. on the second floor, quickly spread to the upper levels, killing nine members of the same family, including a one-and-a-half-year-old child. Two others were rescued with burn injuries and hospitalized. Fourteen fire service units reached the scene and brought the fire under control after two hours of effort.

According to East Delhi’s Shahdara Division DCP Rajendra Prasad Meena, the victims’ bodies were recovered after the fire was extinguished and have been identified. Witnesses and local residents claimed the fire started from the AC blast. Between 12 and 15 people were rescued alive from the building.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the incident as extremely tragic and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. She said the local administration, fire service, and police were engaged in rescue operations and assured full support to the affected families.