A devastating fire broke out early in the morning at a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar, East Delhi, claiming the lives of nine individuals, including a toddler. The incident occurred around 3:30-4:00 AM, when most residents were asleep, leading to rapid spread of flames. Police reported that 10 to 15 residents were rescued, but the locked staircase leading to the terrace and iron grills on windows severely restricted escape routes. Fire officials noted that evacuation was complicated due to blocked exits, delaying rescue efforts. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault or air-conditioner malfunction, although the exact cause is still being determined. This tragedy has sparked significant concerns regarding safety lapses in residential buildings, particularly regarding locked exits and the absence of fire escape routes.