Victims' family blames deaths on a string of fire safety lapses

Family members of three victims in Tuesday's deadly Dwarka apartment fire blamed systemic safety failures, including non-functional fire extinguishers, and missing equipment for the tragedy that claimed their loved ones.

- Hemani Bhandari

Officials meanwhile said that the fire safety certificate of the apartment complex had expired nine years ago.

"If the fire safety equipment in the building were operational, my family members would still be alive," said Shyamveer Yadav, 48, father of 12-year-old Shivam Yadav, one of three who died jumping from the 10th floor of Shabad Apartments in Sector 13.

The victims in Tueday's tragedy were Yash Yadav, 45, who owned the penthouse spanning the ninth and 10th floors; his 10-year-old daughter Ashima; and nephew Shivam. The fire erupted around 10am when 10 family members were present for a gathering.

Police suspect the blaze originated in a prayer room on the ninth floor, though forensic investigators will determine the exact cause. A case has been registered.