A tragic fire at a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, claimed the lives of nine individuals. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) announced an investigation into potential violations of building by-laws, particularly concerning the installation of iron grilles that obstructed escape routes and the width of the staircase. According to a senior MCD officer, the investigation will assess the width of the staircase, the number of dwelling units relative to the plot area, and whether the iron grilles created fire safety hazards by blocking escape routes. First responders faced significant challenges during the rescue operation, as the iron grilles covered the rear facade of the building from the first to the fourth floor, complicating access. Residents reported that the narrow staircase and heavy smoke hindered rescue efforts. Neighbors assisted firefighters by providing tools to cut through the grilles, but many residents remained trapped, leading to desperate attempts to escape. The MCD's probe aims to ensure compliance with safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.