Offices gutted in Bhikaji Cama fire

A major fire broke out at Ansal Chamber in south Delhi’s Bhikaji Cama Place on Tuesday.

Fifteen fire tenders were rushed to the spot and six people were rescued with the help of hydraulic cranes, fire officials said.

No one was injured in the blaze, but some people faced breathing problems after the rescue operation.

A thick plume of smoke was reported from the building near Hyatt Regency Hotel at around 7 pm, police said.

“The fire broke out on the second floor after which occupants started fleeing from the building,” said a police officer. The fire was brought under control by 9 pm.

Around 100 people working in offices in the  building managed to get out before the fire spread, but six were trapped.

They were rescued through the windows with the help of two hydraulic cranes.
A fire official told Deccan Herald that over 100 firefighters were involved in the rescue operation.

“The exact cause behind the incident is yet to be ascertained. We are trying to ascertain the value of goods lost in the fire,” said the official, adding that fire-fighting efforts were hampered due to some out-of-date measures employed at the building.

It is alleged that many of the sprinklers used in the building were not working and that there was no smoke management system.

“We have been told that 12 offices have been damaged in the fire,” a police officer added. A case of endangering life or personal safety of others under section 336 of the Indian Penal Code will be file filed.

Police also had to block traffic on parts of Ring Road, Africa Avenue and Netaji Nagar for unobstructed entry of fire tenders.