A fire in a residential building in east Delhi on Sunday, May 3, 2026, killed at least nine people and injured four others. The blaze, which started on the ground floor, spread rapidly due to the building's layout and materials.
Investigators found that iron grills on windows and a malfunctioning smart door lock prevented residents from escaping. The lock reportedly failed to open, trapping people inside. The building's cramped design also contributed to the high death toll.
Fire officials confirmed that the combination of structural issues and the lock's failure turned the building into a death trap. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
