By Admin 
A massive fire broke out in a night shelter in the Vasant Vihar area of south-west Delhi late on Sunday (December 1), killing two people. This accident happened at around 3.30 in the night, when seven people were sleeping in this shelter built in Coolie Camp. According to Delhi Fire Service and Police, the deceased have been identified as Arjun (18) and Vikas (42).
The fire department received information about the fire at 3:28 pm. Four fire engines were immediately sent to the spot. Arjun and Vikas, who were badly burnt in the fire, were taken to the hospital, but the doctors declared them dead. The remaining five people were evacuated safely. The night shelter is said to be run by ‘SPYM’ NGO.
Police engaged in investigation of the incident
According to the police, as soon as the information was received, the team of Vasant Vihar police station reached the spot. Firefighters were busy extinguishing the fire and rescue operations faced difficulties due to narrow streets. Police said that both the bodies were recovered in a burnt state. A case has been registered under sections 287 and 106 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS) and investigation into the cause of the fire has been started.
Two people lost their lives due to the flames
According to local people, the fire spread so fast that people sleeping in the night shelter did not get a chance to come out. Amarjeet, who lives nearby, said that he woke up from his sleep at around 3 o’clock in the night after hearing a loud bang. When they came out, they saw flames and people were screaming and trying to run away. Amarjeet told that he tried to save as many people as he could, but the fire spread very fast.
The fire started with a huge explosion
Coolie Camp Chairman Munna Lal alleged that a motorcycle parked inside the shelter had completely blocked the only exit route. He claims that as soon as the fire reached the petrol tank of the bike, there was an explosion and the situation became even worse. According to Munna, if the bike had not been parked there, perhaps both the victims could have come out in time.
He also said that the caretaker of the night shelter had been working there for six years, yet he had parked his motorcycle right in front of the door. Local people alleged that the caretaker himself escaped, but did not warn the others in time. This accident once again raises serious questions on the security arrangements in temporary shelters.
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