Massive fire in east Delhi residential building kills 9; AC explosion suspected

Nine people were killed and over 10 others rescued after a massive fire tore through a residential building in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area, during the early hours of Sunday.

The blaze, which broke out at approximately 3:48 am, quickly engulfed multiple floors of the four-storey structure. Preliminary investigations and eyewitness accounts suggest the fire may have been triggered by an air conditioner (AC) blast on one of the lower floors.

The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) dispatched 14 fire tenders to the spot immediately after receiving the emergency call. Over 80 fire personnel worked through the night to battle the flames, which were finally brought under control by 6:25 am.

Officials recovered nine charred bodies from the building. Five victims were found on the second floor, one on the first floor, and three in a locked staircase on the upper levels.

Between 10 and 15 people were successfully rescued from the building, many of whom were brought down using ladders from balconies. Two individuals suffering from minor injuries were rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital for medical treatment.

#WATCH दिल्ली: शाहदरा के विवेक विहार में चार मंजिला इमारत में आग लगने की घटना सामने आई है। दमकल की गाड़ियां मौके पर मौजूद हैं। pic.twitter.com/EwO9prNL6P

— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) May 3, 2026

Investigation into the cause

The Shahdara District Police, led by DCP Rajendra Prasad Meena, cordoned off the area to facilitate search operations. Residents reported hearing a loud bang followed by a rapid spread of fire through domestic articles.

“Search on top floor is ongoing… Fire is controlled but a lot of smoke. Firefighters are searching the top floor. Cause of fire will be ascertained following a detailed inspection,” the DCP said.

#WATCH | Delhi: Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Shahdara District, Rajendra Prasad Meena, says, “Fire broke out in a house in a four-story building in Vivek Vihar, with casualties on the second floor. So far, 3-4 bodies have been found, and the search for the remaining… https://t.co/JXCQ0AMEls pic.twitter.com/ohduLZbMeG

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2026

While the “AC blast” theory is the primary focus, authorities are also looking into potential short-circuits and the storage of flammable materials within the residential units. Local Municipal Councillor Pankaj Luthra confirmed that DNA testing will be required for the formal identification of the deceased due to the severity of the burns.

Although official data doesn’t always track “AC blasts” as a separate category, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has reported a
sharp surge in fire incidents over the past month, many linked to overheating electrical appliances like air conditioners. In April 2026 alone, Delhi recorded over 2,375 fire emergencies, a steep 54 per cent jump from March, with crews responding to around 120 calls daily, and up to 200 on peak heat days.

Officials say the spike is largely driven by extreme temperatures and heavy AC usage, with units running almost round the clock, leading to overheating of compressors and wiring. In some cases, this can result in refrigerant leaks or compressor explosions, commonly referred to as “AC blasts.”