2 die as fire breaks out at Vasant Vihar night shelter

Two persons died, while five others were rescued after a fire broke out at a night shelter in Coolie Camp, Vasant Vihar, here early on Monday morning, the police said.

The police received a call around 3:15 am regarding a fire at a nigh shelter, operated by an NGO, Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (SPYM).

After getting information, police and Delhi Fire Service teams reached the spot. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and began search operations.

According to officials, seven persons were inside the shelter home at the time of the incident. Two persons were found dead at the spot, while five other were rescued safely.

The deceased have been identified as Arjun (19), a resident of Nangla Purva village in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, and Vikas, aged around 42. Arjun used to work as a sweeper at a hotel. The charred bodies had been sent for post-mortem examination.

The police have registered a case under Sections 287 and 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Vasant Vihar police station. The police are examining the cause of the fire and checking the structural condition of the night shelter. Statements of survivors and staff members of the SPYM are also being recorded.

Officials said the night shelter housed migrant workers and daily-wage earners. Further investigation was underway, the police said.