NEW DELHI: Three women, including two sisters, were injured after a fire broke out at Brahmaputra Apartments on Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi. The victims, all of whom sustained minor injuries, were identified as Madhu (19), her sister Jeevika (15) and Madhumati (34). The fire broke out at 1.22pm and 14 fire tenders with 90 firefighters were sent to the spot. The blaze was brought under control by 2.10pm. A fire official said the blaze started in an open parking area, which allowed it to flare up quickly as it received a continuous supply of air. The complex houses 24 members of Parliament, with staff quarters occupying a few floors of each of the eight-storey buildings while the MPs live on the upper floors. According to residents, the fire affected the three floors of the staff quarters in one of the towers. Each floor has eight quarters, and at the time of the incident, more than 70 people were on these three floors.
Tarun, a 35-year-old eyewitness, said Central Public Works Department (CPWD) had stored old furniture and sofas in the parking area, which fuelled the fire. “What I heard is that a spark from firecrackers may have triggered the fire. Children were playing and bursting crackers nearby,” he added. CPWD claimed that the incident took place in the stilt area, where some unserviceable furniture, lined up to be disposed of, was stacked. The civic body claimed that the fire started from the ignition of firecrackers in the vicinity and its officials had promptly cut off the power supply and IGL gas connection to the building and ensured swift evacuation of residents.Police officers also said they were told that old furniture was stored in the area and the fire might have started from there. A case has been registered and police are trying to determine the exact cause behind the fire. The fire department is verifying if the building has a valid no objection certificate.Madhu, one of the injured, said she and her sister Jeevika were trying to escape when burning wood fell on them. “We were at home when we heard a loud scream from a neighbour. We came out and rushed downstairs to save ourselves.” She sustained injuries on one of the hands while her sister received injuries on the hands and legs. Their pet dog, trapped in a bathroom, was later rescued by firefighters, its fur blackened by smoke, Madhu added.Madhumati, who lives next door, said, “I had fever and was sleeping when I suddenly woke up by noises. When I stepped out, I was engulfed by thick black smoke and could hardly see anything. While escaping, a burning piece of wood fell on me,” she said. Residents pointed out that there was only one escape route, which was difficult to access due to heavy smoke.
