A devastating fire engulfed a multi-storey building in north India early this morning, killing at least 15 people and injuring several others. The blaze, which broke out in a residential-commercial complex in the city of Delhi, quickly spread through the lower floors, trapping residents and workers in their rooms. Emergency services responded within minutes, but the intensity of the fire and the building's narrow staircases hampered rescue efforts.
UK fire safety experts have offered assistance, highlighting the recurring pattern of such disasters in the region. 'This is a structural failure as much as a human tragedy,' said Dr. Anil Sharma, a fire safety engineer at the Indian Institute of Technology.
'The building lacked adequate fire escapes, and the use of combustible materials in construction exacerbated the spread of flames.' The incident has reignited calls for stricter building codes and enforcement, especially in rapidly urbanising areas where safety regulations often lag behind construction booms. The UK's Fire and Rescue Service has dispatched a team of specialists to advise on fire prevention and emergency response protocols.
'We share the grief of the families and stand ready to share our expertise,' said a spokesperson. This collaboration underscores a broader global effort to reduce fire-related fatalities, which claim over 100,000 lives annually in low- and middle-income countries. As investigations continue, the core lesson remains clear: building safety is not a cost; it is a lifeline.
