Eight Rescued, Two Pets Killed in New Friends Colony House Fire

Eight residents, including four children, were rescued after a fire broke out at a residential building in South Delhi’s New Friends Colony on Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2026. The blaze, which trapped occupants on the upper floors of the building on Mathura Road, resulted in the death of two pet dogs due to heavy smoke inhalation. All human residents were safely evacuated.

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received an emergency call regarding the incident at approximately 3:39 PM. In response, five fire tenders were deployed to the location. By the time the fire crews arrived at the scene, thick smoke had already engulfed the building, making immediate access difficult.

According to DFS official Raj Kumar, who supervised the rescue operation, the fire originated on the first floor of the building. The cause was identified as a malfunction in the indoor unit of a split air-conditioner. The unit caught fire and fell onto a bed, which caused the flames to spread rapidly.

As the fire grew, residents became trapped on the third floor. Upon arriving at the site, firefighters heard children shouting for help from the upper floors. Rescue teams immediately deployed ladders to reach the trapped individuals and evacuated them safely.

A police officer stated that when emergency teams reached the spot, the building's staircase was completely filled with dense smoke. Police personnel coordinated closely with the firefighters to carry out the high-risk rescue operation.

While the human residents escaped the fire unharmed, two pet dogs trapped inside the building did not survive. The dogs had fallen unconscious due to inhaling heavy smoke. Although emergency CPR and first aid were administered to the pets at the scene, one dog died immediately. The second dog was rushed to a nearby veterinary hospital, where it passed away during treatment.

Fire officials confirmed that the blaze was brought under control within half an hour.