A big fire broke out in a tall building in Dwarka, Delhi, on the morning of June 10, 2025. The fire happened in a high-rise society in Sector 13 where a family had gathered to take part in a religious ceremony. The fire started around 10 a.m. and quickly spread through the duplex flat located on the 9th and 10th floors of the building. A total of twelve family members were inside the house at the time. The flames became very strong, and smoke filled the rooms, making it very difficult for the people inside to escape safely.
As the fire spread, panic took over the people inside. The smoke made it hard to see and breathe, and people started looking for ways to escape. Some people tried calling the fire department while others rushed to windows and balconies, hoping someone would come to help. In the middle of this chaos, a father named Yash Yadav was stuck with his two children. They could not find a safe way out, and when they saw no hope, they decided to jump from the balcony of the 10th floor to escape the deadly fire.
Yash Yadav was a 40-year-old man who had come to the flat with his daughter and nephew for a family religious event. His daughter, Ashima Yadav, was about 10 or 11 years old, and his nephew, Shivam Yadav, was of a similar age. All three were trapped on the top floor and had no way to get out. They believed jumping was their only chance to survive. Sadly, they were seriously hurt when they fell, and even though they were taken to the hospital quickly, all three of them died soon after reaching there.
The fire services received a call about the fire at around 10:01 a.m., and they rushed to the spot. Fire trucks, water tankers, and emergency workers were sent immediately. Some reports said that five to eight fire tenders were dispatched, while others mentioned up to thirteen. However, when they reached the building, they found it very difficult to access the area. The entrance gate of the society was too small for the large fire trucks to enter easily. This delay in starting the firefighting made the situation worse for the people trapped inside.
The fire reportedly began in the temple or prayer room of the flat. It spread quickly because of the decorative materials and the PVC (plastic) panels that caught fire easily. Once the flames caught on to these materials, they moved through the flat very fast. Many flats in such buildings use cheap materials for decoration without thinking about safety. In this case, these decorations helped the fire grow larger and spread further. The smoke also became very thick due to these burning materials. This thick smoke made it nearly impossible to see anything or breathe normally inside the house.
Apart from the three people who died, others in the family were also injured. Yash Yadav’s wife and his elder son were among those who were inside the burning flat. Thankfully, they survived but suffered burns and smoke-related injuries. The family had gathered that day for a puja, which made the tragedy even more painful. The atmosphere of celebration turned into one of shock and sorrow. People in nearby buildings and on the streets watched helplessly as smoke poured out of the flat. They could not believe what was happening right in front of their eyes.
Some neighbors tried to help by calling emergency services and shouting to the trapped people not to jump. One neighbor even said that if they had more time, they could have stretched out bedsheets or mattresses to catch the people jumping. But things happened very quickly, and no one could react in time. The fire department struggled to reach the top floors. Many people asked why there were no safety nets or ladders to catch people in such emergencies. These types of safety steps could have saved lives if they were already in place and ready for use.
After the fire was brought under control, authorities began their investigation. What they found was shocking. The building had no fire safety certificate since 2016. That means it had not passed any safety checks in the past nine years. Fire alarms, water hoses, and fire extinguishers were either broken or missing. The emergency lights and exit signs were also not working. These serious failures made the building very unsafe for people living there. If the equipment had been in working condition, the family might have had a better chance to escape or survive the fire.
There was only one staircase in the building, and that too was filled with stored items, making it hard to use during the emergency. People could not escape quickly using the stairs because there was too much stuff blocking the way. Firefighters also had a hard time climbing the stairs with their equipment. Every second was important, but precious time was lost. This shows how bad building maintenance and poor planning can lead to deadly situations. Authorities said the building’s management had ignored safety rules for years, and now three innocent lives were lost because of their carelessness.
Many people in the society were angry and blamed the building management committee. They asked why fire drills were never held and why no one checked the fire equipment regularly. Some said they had complained before, but no one listened. People now feared for their own safety and demanded strict action. Officials said a case had been filed under legal sections that deal with carelessness causing death. Police started a full investigation to find out who was responsible. The families of the victims said they wanted justice and that someone should be punished for these terrible mistakes.
Experts and fire safety officers also visited the building to check its condition. They confirmed that the use of PVC panels helped the fire spread faster. These panels are known to catch fire easily and create thick smoke. Experts also said that buildings with more than four floors must have working fire alarms, extinguishers, and water hoses on every floor. In this case, none of these safety items were working or even present. The building did not follow the basic fire safety rules. This was not just bad management but also a complete failure of the whole safety system.
This incident was not the first time such a tragedy happened in Delhi. In the past, fires in old buildings and crowded areas have taken many lives. Most of the time, poor wiring, broken safety gear, and blocked exits were found to be the main causes. But even after these repeated warnings, many buildings in Delhi and other cities still ignore fire safety rules. People continue to live in risky homes without knowing the danger they face every day. This incident in Dwarka is just another reminder that we need strict laws and checks to stop such tragedies.
The local government promised to take action after this incident. They said they would check all high-rise buildings in the area for fire safety compliance. Teams were formed to visit societies and check their equipment, exit routes, and fire alarms. Officials also said that buildings without proper certificates would face heavy fines or even sealing orders. The Delhi Fire Service said they will hold training sessions to educate people about what to do during a fire. People were asked to take part in safety drills and learn how to use fire extinguishers properly. These steps were needed badly.
Residents of Dwarka were still in shock days after the fire. Some said they could not sleep thinking about the people who jumped from the building. They said they never thought something like this could happen in their peaceful society. Flowers and candles were placed near the building to pay respect to the victims. Friends and relatives of the Yadav family gathered to mourn and pray. Children in the area were especially affected, as they knew the young girl and her cousin who died. It was a very emotional and painful time for the whole neighborhood.
The news of the fire spread across the country. Many people on social media expressed anger over the poor safety systems. They asked how such a big building was allowed to function without a fire certificate. People also shared videos of the smoke and rescue operations, showing the fear and confusion during the incident. Some even offered help and support to the affected family. NGOs and social groups said they were ready to help with medical aid, counseling, and financial support for the injured. The community came together to stand with the victims in this time of loss.
As days passed, officials continued their investigation. The focus was on finding out who was responsible for the safety lapses. They were checking documents, maintenance records, and CCTV footage to understand the full timeline of the fire. Police also questioned members of the building’s managing committee. If they are found guilty of ignoring safety rules, they may face strict punishment under the law. The hope is that the truth will come out and justice will be given to the family that lost three lives. Everyone wants someone to be held responsible so this does not happen again.
This painful event teaches us an important lesson. Safety in buildings should never be ignored or taken lightly. Just because nothing bad has happened before does not mean nothing ever will. Fire drills, working alarms, open staircases, and emergency training can save lives. People need to report safety issues and not wait until it is too late. Authorities must also check buildings regularly and not allow any society to skip fire safety rules. Only when both people and officials take responsibility can we prevent such terrible tragedies. The fire in Dwarka should not be forgotten. It must lead to real change.