New Delhi (14 June 2026) – A devastating fire ripped through a two‑room flat in Tughlaqabad early Friday, killing three members of the same family and leaving two others gravely injured.
Pankaj Kumar Pandey, 28, who owned a mobile‑phone shop and was the family’s primary earner, escaped the burning building after realizing his mother, sisters and maternal grandmother were still inside. He turned back to rescue them but never emerged.
The blaze claimed the lives of Pankaj, his grandmother Sushila Devi and his elder sister Soni. His mother Guddi and younger sister Moni remain in critical condition.
Two years earlier, Pankaj had purchased the modest flat to give his family a permanent home after years of living in Pul Prahladpur. Following his father’s death, he assumed full responsibility for his mother and two sisters.
Relative Bam Bam Jha told TOI that a video call with the family took place only a few hours before the fire. “Around 6 am I called Pankaj and others, but no one answered. I became anxious and went to Tughlaqabad. A huge crowd was gathered outside the building when I arrived,” he said.
Jha’s wife Anshu broke down upon seeing relatives and neighbours arrive, saying, “It was horrific. My family is gone.”
Another relative, Suresh Chandra Pandey, recalled advising Pankaj against buying the flat because the area was overly congested, yet Pankaj was determined to secure a house of his own.
One of Pankaj’s relatives had died in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, and Pankaj was scheduled to travel there on 17 June. “Before he could leave, this happened,” Suresh added.
The family’s older daughter, Soni, was a graduate employed at a boutique, while Moni had recently completed Class X.
Neighbouring residents said that when Pankaj realized his mother, sisters and grandmother might be trapped, he rushed back without hesitation and became trapped himself.
Seventy‑year‑old Sushila Devi, who could not speak due to health complications and required constant care, had been staying with her daughter Guddi.
With Guddi and Moni fighting for their lives, the future Pankaj worked hard to build has been reduced to ashes.
Stay updated with the latest Delhi news by downloading the TOI App.
