Tragedy in Delhi’s Bholanath Nagar: Fire Claims Two Lives, Four Family Members Injured

In a tragic incident, a fire broke out in a residential building in Delhi’s Bholanath Nagar on Friday, October 18, 2024, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to four others, all from the same family. The victims, identified as Shilpi Gupta, aged 42, and her son Pranav Gupta, aged 16, reportedly succumbed to asphyxia caused by smoke inhalation.

The fire erupted in the early morning hours, and emergency services were immediately dispatched after receiving a distress call at 5:50 AM. The blaze engulfed the third-floor flat of house number 197 in gali number 11, owned by Manish Gupta, son of Kailash Gupta. According to an official press release, six fire tenders reached the site to combat the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

Authorities responded swiftly to the situation, with local police and firefighters arriving at the scene shortly after the emergency call. The injured members of the Gupta family, Kailash Gupta (72), his wife Bhagwati Gupta (70), their son Manish Gupta (45), and grandson Parth Gupta (19), were rushed to GTB Hospital for immediate medical attention. Their condition is currently being monitored by healthcare professionals.

Sadly, Shilpi Gupta and her teenage son, Pranav, were found lifeless inside the charred remains of the flat after the fire was extinguished. The cause of death for both victims is believed to be asphyxiation due to the heavy smoke that filled the building during the fire. Investigators are conducting a thorough analysis of the scene, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been called in to assess the cause of the fire and rule out any foul play.

DCP Shahdara confirmed the incident, stating, "All the injured and deceased are from the same family. It appears that the two individuals who perished died due to asphyxia caused by the smoke." The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, but investigators are examining the electrical system and other potential sources within the building to determine what sparked the deadly blaze.

This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, and residents of Bholanath Nagar have expressed their grief and concern over the tragedy. Fires in densely populated residential areas like this one are always a matter of public safety, and this incident underscores the importance of fire prevention measures in homes, especially in multi-story buildings.

As investigations continue, the authorities are urging people to ensure their homes are equipped with smoke detectors and fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers, to mitigate the risk of such deadly incidents. Fire safety remains a top priority, and government agencies regularly encourage citizens to conduct regular safety checks to avoid similar catastrophes.

The tragic loss of two family members in Bholanath Nagar serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact fires can have, not just on the immediate victims but on the wider community. As the family mourns the loss of Shilpi and Pranav Gupta, authorities are working to finalize their investigation and provide further updates on the cause of this deadly fire.

Delhi's fire department has been on high alert following this event, ensuring that safety protocols are followed in residential buildings and urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from fire hazards.