A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Dwarka, Delhi, on Tuesday morning when a father and his two children died after jumping from the 7th floor of their apartment to escape a massive fire.
The fire broke out at Shahbad Apartment in Sector 13, trapping residents on the upper floors.
What Happened?
According to officials, the fire started around 9:45 AM on the 8th and 9th floors of the building. The family — Yash Yadav, 35, who ran a flex board business, his wife, their two sons, and a niece — were living in a duplex flat on the top floors.
Trapped by the smoke and flames, Yash tried to save the children first. Eyewitnesses said they saw him drop his younger son and niece from the balcony, hoping they would survive the fall. He then jumped himself. Tragically, all three were declared dead at the hospital.
Yash’s wife and elder son managed to survive but were injured and taken to the hospital.
Delayed Fire Response
The fire services received a call at 10:01 AM and sent eight fire tenders. But residents and eyewitnesses say that the first fire engine arrived late, and its water could not reach the upper floors.
“If the fire engine had arrived sooner with proper equipment, the family could have been saved,” said a local resident.
Later, additional fire engines with hydraulic ladders were deployed to tackle the flames.
Building Evacuated
Police confirmed that all other residents were safely evacuated. Power and gas connections were cut off to prevent further danger. The forensic team is now investigating the cause of the fire, though locals said AC repair work was reportedly being done in the flat.
The entire housing society, home to over 500 people, is mourning the loss of Yash Yadav, his young son, and his niece. Locals said it was devastating to watch the father try to save his family in such desperate circumstances.
Many residents have also raised concerns about the lack of fire safety measures in high-rise buildings and the need for quicker emergency response.
Why This Matters
This tragic event highlights once again the urgent need for proper fire safety in Delhi’s residential buildings. It also raises questions about response times and the preparedness of emergency services in handling fires in high-rise structures.
