News for 'Disaster Response and Fire Services Department'

Goa nightclub fire: Accused owners fled to Phuket at 5.30 am

Goa nightclub fire: Accused owners fled to Phuket at 5.30 am

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Goa nightclub wanted in connection with the fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives at the facility, have fled to Thailand, prompting police to seek the help of Interpol to trace them, officials said in Panaji on Monday.

ONGC takes over Andhra gas well blaze, finalises control plan

ONGC takes over Andhra gas well blaze, finalises control plan

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The ONGC expert teams are arriving from Mumbai and Delhi to douse the gas well blaze in Mori in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh, an official said on Tuesday.

Techie death: Noida Authority CEO removed, CM Yogi orders SIT probe

Techie death: Noida Authority CEO removed, CM Yogi orders SIT probe

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Following the death of a software engineer whose car plunged into a water-filled pit at a construction site, the Noida Authority has taken action, including terminating an engineer and issuing show-cause notices. An investigation is underway.

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

Andhra gas well blaze to be doused in a week: Official

Andhra gas well blaze to be doused in a week: Official

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The gas well blaze near the Irusumanda village in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh will be doused in a week's time, an official said on Tuesday, citing information from ONGC officials.

Narrow entrance spells doom for Hyderabad fire victims

Narrow entrance spells doom for Hyderabad fire victims

Rediff.com18 May 2025

For the 17 people who perished in a blaze near the historic Charminar in Hyderabad on Sunday, the house located in a tunnel-like alley with a narrow entrance and staircase proved to be the death trap as it prevented them from escaping to safety.

7 killed in wall collapse in Delhi amid heavy rains

7 killed in wall collapse in Delhi amid heavy rains

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Seven people died after a wall collapsed near Mohan Baba Mandir in Jaitpur, Delhi, following heavy rainfall. Rescue operations were conducted by police, fire services, and NDRF teams. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.

8 kids among 17 killed as fire engulfs Hyderabad building

8 kids among 17 killed as fire engulfs Hyderabad building

Rediff.com18 May 2025

A blaze triggered by a suspected short circuit in a building near the iconic Charminar here on Sunday left 17 people dead, with a majority of them being children.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Air India flight fell on ground right after take-off

Air India flight fell on ground right after take-off

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The Air India plane AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed immediately after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, as per the Gujarat State Police Control Room.

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A massive fire that tore through a budget hotel in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar in central Kolkata on Tuesday night claimed at least 14 lives and left 13 injured, triggering a political blame game and calls for accountability.

Man killed, wife injured in Kerala mudslide triggered by NH work

Man killed, wife injured in Kerala mudslide triggered by NH work

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

A man died and his wife was severely injured after a mudslide levelled several houses in the Idukki district of Kerala. Residents allege unscientific road widening work was responsible for the tragedy.

Virar building collapse: Tragedy strikes during baby's birthday party

Virar building collapse: Tragedy strikes during baby's birthday party

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The death toll in the collapse of an unauthorised building in Virar, Maharashtra, has risen to 15. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure no one remains trapped under the debris.

15 killed, 34 hurt in explosion at Telangana pharma plant

15 killed, 34 hurt in explosion at Telangana pharma plant

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

At least 12 people died and 34 persons were injured in a pharma plant explosion in Sangareddy district of Telangana on Monday, State Minister Damodara Raja Narasimha said.

11 dead as building collapses before dawn in Delhi

11 dead as building collapses before dawn in Delhi

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A multi-storey residential building collapsed in northeast Delhi's Shakti Vihar area in the early hours of Saturday, leaving 11 people dead and 11 injured, officials said.

Builder arrested for apartment collapse near Mumbai

Builder arrested for apartment collapse near Mumbai

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The death toll in the collapse of an allegedly unauthorised building at Virar in Maharashtra's Palghar district has risen to 17. Police have arrested the builder of the four-storey structure after a complaint was lodged.

Could The Kurnool Bus Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

Could The Kurnool Bus Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

'This tragedy will not be the last -- you shall witness another tomorrow, perhaps another the day after, and increasingly more.'

Rains batter Maharashtra: 1 dead, 48 rescued so far

Rains batter Maharashtra: 1 dead, 48 rescued so far

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Heavy rains lashed several parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, on Monday, resulting in one death and the rescue of 48 people from inundated areas. The state received widespread rainfall, with Pune, Satara, Solapur, Raigad, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) experiencing significant precipitation. Mumbai recorded 135.4 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to waterlogging and power outages in some areas. The India Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in Mumbai over the next 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Mock drills were conducted on Saturday in states and Union territories adjoining the western border -- from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat -- to enhance wartime emergency preparedness and response capabilities, officials said.

'May Allah bless them': Indian rescuers win hearts in Myanmar

'May Allah bless them': Indian rescuers win hearts in Myanmar

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Indian rescue personnel are being lauded for their compassion and expertise in assisting with the recovery efforts in earthquake-stricken Mandalay, Myanmar. The story of a Muslim family resisting initial attempts to recover a deceased loved one from the rubble, ultimately accepting the help of Indian rescuers who preserved the dignity of the woman's final posture in prayer, highlights the sensitivity and skill of the Indian team. The NDRF has rescued around 30 bodies and is working tirelessly in different locations, including the historic U Hla Thein monastery and Ganga Ghat Hindu Temple, where many are still missing. The Indian Army has also set up a field hospital, treating over 200 patients, and providing food to earthquake victims.

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The labourers, who are said to be of Nepali origin, were engaged in the construction of a hotel.

9 Vaishno Devi pilgrims among 13 killed in J-K rains, landslides

9 Vaishno Devi pilgrims among 13 killed in J-K rains, landslides

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Relentless heavy rain led to a landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hill on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least five people and injuring 14, officials said.

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The process of identification of victims by matching the DNA samples is currently underway, and the bodies will be handed over to their relatives once the process is complete.

Cyclone threat looms over east coast, Odisha on alert

Cyclone threat looms over east coast, Odisha on alert

Rediff.com7 May 2022

The weather system over the South Andaman Sea and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is very likely to move north-westwards and strengthen into a depression by Saturday, the Met Department said.

Odisha, Bengal evacuate people as Cyclone Dana approaches

Odisha, Bengal evacuate people as Cyclone Dana approaches

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

As Odisha and West Bengal are bracing for a severe cyclonic storm, governments of both states started evacuating people and while deciding to close educational institutions in vulnerable areas.

Roads waterlogged, trains delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai

Roads waterlogged, trains delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The IMD issued a "Nowcast" warning, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and intense spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph at isolated places in Mumbai in the next three to four hours.

U'khand avalanche: 4 labourers die, 50 rescued; search for 5 on

U'khand avalanche: 4 labourers die, 50 rescued; search for 5 on

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The avalanche hit the BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath between 5:30 am and 6 am on Friday, burying the workers inside eight containers and a shed, according to the Army.

Over 400 evacuated after fire at Chandigarh's PGIMER hospital; no deaths

Over 400 evacuated after fire at Chandigarh's PGIMER hospital; no deaths

Rediff.com10 Oct 2023

An official of the fire and emergency services department said that 11 fire tenders including one each from Panchkula and Mohali were pressed into service to quickly control the blaze.

Two-year-old infant rescued from borewell after 20-hour op in Karnataka

Two-year-old infant rescued from borewell after 20-hour op in Karnataka

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

The police said the child was shifted to a hospital in Indi where he was given preliminary treatment and was later shifted to a district hospital. He is currently stated to be stable, they said.

Delhi coaching centre deaths: What the FIR says

Delhi coaching centre deaths: What the FIR says

Rediff.com28 Jul 2024

The Delhi Police has registered a first information report (FIR) and formed multiple teams to probe the Rajinder Nagar coaching centre flooding incident which killed three IAS aspirants, officials said on Sunday.

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Local officials said no casualties have been reported due to Wednesday's quake that hit the Madoi County in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province of northwest China at 3:44 pm (Beijing time), tremors for which were also felt in north-eastern Nepal.

10 dead in fire at hotel used as Covid facility in AP

10 dead in fire at hotel used as Covid facility in AP

Rediff.com9 Aug 2020

On Thursday, eight coronavirus patients died in a fire at a private hospital in Ahmedabad.

3 Bangladeshi tourists dead as houseboat catches fire in Dal Lake

3 Bangladeshi tourists dead as houseboat catches fire in Dal Lake

Rediff.com11 Nov 2023

Three tourists from Bangladesh were charred to death in a major blaze in a houseboat on the famous Dal Lake on Saturday, officials in Srinagar said.

IAF chopper roped in to douse massive forest fires in U'khand

IAF chopper roped in to douse massive forest fires in U'khand

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

The situation in the district worsened on Friday with the flames reaching the high court colony in the Pines area.

14 drown, 9 missing as boat capsizes in Andhra's Krishna river

14 drown, 9 missing as boat capsizes in Andhra's Krishna river

Rediff.com12 Nov 2017

National Disaster Response Force teams and Krishna district authorities have launched a massive search and rescue operation to trace the missing people.

27 dead in massive fire at 4-storey building in Delhi

27 dead in massive fire at 4-storey building in Delhi

Rediff.com14 May 2022

Over 50 employees of the company whose office was located on the first floor were rescued while 27 bodies have been found.

'Imagine Dying Like This, And That Too In Delhi'

'Imagine Dying Like This, And That Too In Delhi'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2024

'They charge such high fees and offer us this safety. Our lives have become a mockery.'

After the heatwave comes cyclone, likely to hit Andhra-Odisha coast next week

After the heatwave comes cyclone, likely to hit Andhra-Odisha coast next week

Rediff.com6 May 2022

The low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a depression by Saturday, the weather office said.

Fire at bio-diesel plant in Visakhapatnam SEZ put out

Fire at bio-diesel plant in Visakhapatnam SEZ put out

Rediff.com28 Apr 2016

No casualties were reported.

Cyclone Dana: Lakhs evacuated; flights, trains suspended

Cyclone Dana: Lakhs evacuated; flights, trains suspended

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

As Cyclone Dana barrels toward the coasts of Odisha, threatening to impact nearly half of the state's population, the government is racing against time to execute a massive evacuation plan aimed at relocating about 10 lakh people in several coastal districts to safety. In West Bengal, the cyclone is set to bring heavy rainfall in several southern West Bengal districts, including Kolkata, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.