Delhi Vivek Vihar fire: Nine killed, including 1.5-year-old, in four-storey blaze
Synopsis
A pre-dawn fire at a four-storey building in Delhi's Vivek Vihar claimed nine lives — five from a single family on the second floor, including an 18-month-old child. With the cause still unknown and investigations underway, the tragedy has reignited urgent questions about fire safety in Delhi's densely packed residential buildings.
Key Takeaways
A fire broke out at 4 am on 3 May at B-13, Vivek Vihar Phase I, New Delhi , in a four-storey building .
Nine people were killed, including a 1.5-year-old child, Akash Jain — the youngest victim.
Five of the nine deaths occurred on the second floor , all from the same family — the Jain family .
14 fire engines were deployed; the blaze was brought under control by 6 am .
15 persons were rescued; two with minor injuries were taken to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital .
The cause of the fire remains unknown; a preliminary enquiry is in progress.
Nine people, including a 1.5-year-old child, were killed after a devastating fire tore through a four-storey building at Vivek Vihar Phase I in New Delhi in the early hours of Sunday, 3 May, officials confirmed. The blaze broke out at approximately 4 am on the second floor of the premises at B-13, Vivek Vihar Phase I, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving 14 fire engines.
How the Fire Unfolded
The fire was reported in the early morning hours when most residents were asleep, significantly heightening the risk to life. Upon receiving the alert, police personnel — including the Vivek Vihar Station House Officer (SHO) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) — rushed to the scene alongside fire brigade teams and a crime unit. Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 6 am, approximately two hours after it was first reported. In total, 15 persons were rescued from the building during the operation.
Identities of the Nine Deceased
The maximum casualties were recorded on the second floor, where five members of the same family perished. They have been identified as Arvind Jain (60), his wife Anita Jain (58), their son Nishant Jain (35), Nishant's wife Anchal Jain (33), and the couple's toddler son Akash Jain (1.5 years).
On the third floor, three more family members lost their lives: Nitin Jain (50), his wife Shailey Jain (48), and their son Samyak Jain (25). On the first floor, Sikha Jain (40) was killed, while her husband Naveen Jain (48) sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. Officials confirmed that the identities of all nine deceased have been established.
Injured and Hospitalised
Of the 15 persons rescued, two sustained minor injuries and were shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for medical attention. Naveen Jain, the lone adult survivor from the first floor, is also receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. Authorities have not specified the current condition of the injured.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
As of the time of reporting, the cause of the fire has not been determined, according to officials. A preliminary enquiry is underway, and the crime team that arrived at the scene is conducting further proceedings. The fire's origin on the second floor of the building is being examined, but no official conclusion has been reached. Authorities said further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
This incident comes amid recurring concerns about fire safety compliance in densely populated residential buildings across Delhi. Further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses.
Point of View
Recurring pattern of deadly building fires in Delhi, where fire safety norms in residential structures are routinely flouted and enforcement remains inconsistent. The fact that five members of a single family, including an 18-month-old, perished on the same floor points to blocked or inadequate escape routes — a structural failure as much as an accidental one. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but the real question authorities must answer is whether this building had valid fire clearances and functioning safety infrastructure. Without accountability on compliance, the next such tragedy is a matter of when, not if.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were killed in the Vivek Vihar building fire in Delhi?
Nine people were killed in the fire at a four-storey building in Vivek Vihar Phase I, New Delhi, on 3 May. The victims included a 1.5-year-old child and members of at least three families spread across three floors.
Who were the victims of the Delhi Vivek Vihar fire?
The nine deceased have been identified as Arvind Jain (60), Anita Jain (58), Nishant Jain (35), Anchal Jain (33), and Akash Jain (1.5 years) from the second floor; Nitin Jain (50), Shailey Jain (48), and Samyak Jain (25) from the third floor; and Sikha Jain (40) from the first floor.
What caused the Vivek Vihar building fire?
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, according to officials. A preliminary enquiry is underway, and the crime team is conducting further investigations at the site.
How many people were rescued from the Vivek Vihar fire?
A total of 15 persons were rescued during the firefighting and rescue operations. Two of them sustained minor injuries and were shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment.
When was the Vivek Vihar fire brought under control?
The fire, which broke out at approximately 4 am on Sunday, 3 May, was brought under control by 6 am — roughly two hours after it was first reported. Fourteen fire engines were deployed to the scene.
