Two Killed, Several Injured in Ghaziabad Building Fire; Probe Ordered

March 4, 2026

A major fire broke out late Tuesday night in a five-storey residential building in Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad, tragically killing two people and injuring several others, officials said on Wednesday. The blaze triggered panic among occupants and prompted a large-scale rescue operation by the fire brigade and police. Authorities have ordered a detailed probe into the incident to determine the cause and whether fire-safety protocols were followed.

The fire reportedly started on the ground floor of the building near Birbal Chowki, close to Golden Palace, around 11:47 pm, quickly spreading upward due to thick smoke and flames. Nearly 150 residents were inside when the blaze began.

Rescue Operation Underway as Flames Spread

Upon receiving the alert, the Vaishali Fire Station dispatched approximately eight to ten fire engines to the scene. Chief Fire Officer Rahul Pal said firefighters and rescue teams worked tirelessly for several hours to control the flames and evacuate residents.

Rescue crews used ladders and smoke-diving gear to bring people down safely from upper floors. Many were led out through balconies and windows when staircases became blocked by smoke. Around 150 occupants, including children and elderly residents, were evacuated from the building.

Despite the swift response, two residents succumbed to their injuries the identities and ages of the deceased have not yet been officially released. Dozens of others estimated between 20 and 22 people were treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation at local hospitals.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as families rushed to escape the smoke-filled building and firefighters battled the blaze. Several residents were seen coughing heavily as smoke engulfed stairwells, slowing down the evacuation in parts of the structure.

Authorities Launch Investigation into Fire Causes

Police and fire officials said the initial cause appears to be a short-circuit near electrical panels and stairways on the ground floor, though this has not been conclusively confirmed. Local authorities have ordered a formal inquiry, which will also examine compliance with fire safety norms and whether adequate preventive measures were in place.

Hindon Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Patil told reporters that emergency crews acted promptly once notified and that the situation was brought under control after hours of effort. He added that the probe will look into all possible factors behind the outbreak.

Officials said that most injured occupants were in serious but stable condition at area hospitals, where doctors continued to monitor them throughout the morning. Relatives of the injured have been arriving at the hospitals, anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones’ recovery.

Fire Safety Concerns Highlighted

The incident has reignited concerns over fire safety standards in densely populated residential buildings in the Delhi-NCR region. Residents and local activist groups noted that many older buildings, like the one in Khoda Colony, lack proper fire escapes, alarms, or safety certifications.

Local community members demanded stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in future, urging authorities to conduct regular inspections across housing complexes.

Support and Compensation for Victims

District officials said they have set up helplines to coordinate support for families of the deceased and injured. Relief packages and compensation for victims are expected to be announced once the inquiry determines the cause and extent of the damage.

Relatives of evacuees and local residents praised the efforts of firefighters and police for their quick response, even as they called for long-term measures to enhance emergency preparedness in residential areas.