Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Vivek Vihar fire incident, official sources said on Tuesday.
Nine people, including a young child, died in the fire that broke out in a four-storey building in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar on Sunday.
According to the sources, the initial report highlighted that there were multiple shortcomings in the rescue operations carried out during the fire.
The sources said, “The first fire engine that arrived at the scene had only a half-filled water tank, while the second vehicle arrived after a delay.”
They added that other problems in the response mechanism include “the lack of rescue nets and people being asked to arrange mattresses from neighboring homes.”
According to officials, the Chief Minister directed the concerned district magistrate (DM) to submit a comprehensive report detailing the response of all agencies concerned, including the Delhi Municipal Corporation, Urban Development Department and fire services.
“The report will also include inputs from affected families and local residents to determine a clearer sequence of events during the rescue operation,” they added.
The Prime Minister also directed that an investigation be opened into the construction of the building in which the fire broke out.
They added: “Dubai Municipality has been asked to investigate the contractor in question and verify whether there are any violations of building rules or safety regulations.”
The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting on Wednesday, with fire departments and other departments, regarding various alleged shortcomings in the rescue operation.
Gupta met the families of the victims of the Vivek Vihar fire tragedy on Tuesday, saying her government was committed to providing them all possible assistance.
