A catastrophic fire in Delhi’s affluent Civil Lines neighborhood became deadly before dawn this morning when a 45-year-old father and his two small children leaped off their 12th-story apartment to avoid being overcome by smoke—only to have died upon impact. His wife and oldest son were rescued with severe burns after hanging from window sills until rescue workers arrived.
What We Know:
1. Cause: Rumored short-circuit in AC unit at around 2:30 AM, with flames closing off front door.
2. Failed Escape: Family pinned after fire alarms did not go off and emergency exits were secured.
3. Survivors: Mother (40) and teenage son (16) hospitalized with 50% burns; neighbors heard cries for help before the leap
Broader Safety Crisis:
This tragedy spotlights Delhi’s recurring high-rise fire risks—just 3 months after a similar incident killed 6 in Shahdara. Officials confirm the building lacked mandatory fire audits, raising fury over builder violations and lax enforcement.
