Fire officials said Panchi, Munchun (both brothers), Sanjit, and Prakash were killed in the fire while Ranjit and Moolchand are batting for life in Safdarjung Hospital with 85 per cent and 15 per cent burn injuries.

“The victims who resided in one of the rooms in the building were sleeping when the fire broke out. They had left one of the candles burning and this is most likely the cause of fire,” a senior police official said.

Police said their neighbour, Somnath, noticed thick smoke billowing from their door and raised an alarm before breaking open the door.

Moolchand and Ranjit, who were both on fire, rushed out of the room. Somnath immediately wrapped them in blankets, police said.

Fire engines were rushed to the spot but could not get near the house because of the narrow lanes.

“Jet pumps were used to douse the flames. The victims were rescued and rushed to Safdarjung Hospital, where four were declared dead and two are under treatment,” a police official said.