Massive Fire Forces Evacuation at Delhi's School of Planning and Architecture

A massive fire broke out at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in Delhi near ITO on Tuesday morning, prompting an immediate evacuation of the campus. The fire erupted around 10:30 AM, engulfing several classrooms and administrative offices, causing considerable panic among students and faculty.

Immediate Response and Evacuation

The Delhi Fire Service received the emergency call shortly after the fire ignited, deploying more than 15 fire tenders to control the flames. Firefighters battled the blaze for over two hours, managing to bring it under control by noon. According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties, but several students reported minor injuries during the evacuation.

Rescue operations were swift, with security personnel helping students exit the building safely. Some witnesses described chaotic scenes as thick smoke filled the hallways, prompting a hurried exit. "We were in a classroom when we smelled smoke and quickly realised we had to leave," said Anjali Verma, a third-year architecture student at the SPA.

Possible Causes and Investigations

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but early indications suggest it may have originated from an electrical fault in the building's wiring system. The SPA administration has pledged to cooperate with authorities to determine the root cause and ensure such incidents do not recur.

Local fire officials noted that older buildings like those at SPA are particularly vulnerable to such incidents due to outdated electrical systems. "Buildings constructed decades ago often lack modern safety features, making them more susceptible to fires," said Rahul Singh, a fire safety officer.

Impact on Classes and Community Response

The fire has disrupted classes and ongoing projects at SPA, one of India’s premier architecture schools. Students expressed frustration over the halt in their studies but emphasised the importance of safety above all. The administration announced that classes will be suspended for the next week as repairs and safety assessments are conducted.

Community response has been swift, with alumni and local architecture professionals offering support for the school’s recovery. "As an alumnus, I feel this deeply. I am ready to assist in any way to help my alma mater rebuild," said Ramesh Iyer, an architect based in Delhi.

Local Impact and Future Steps

This incident has raised concerns about fire safety standards in educational institutions across Delhi. With several schools and colleges in similar older buildings, parents and guardians are voicing their worries about safety protocols. The Education Ministry has indicated that they will review safety regulations in schools and universities to prevent future tragedies.

While SPA manages the aftermath of this incident, city officials stress the need for comprehensive fire safety audits in educational facilities. Local government representatives are expected to discuss this issue in an upcoming meeting scheduled for next week, calling for immediate action.

What to Watch Next

The situation at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi remains tense as authorities continue investigations and repairs. Stakeholders, including parents and the student body, are awaiting updates on safety measures and class resumption timelines. Additionally, the upcoming city council meeting may lead to new regulations aimed at improving fire safety in schools across Delhi.