India, Dec. 23 -- A Delhi Police constable saved the lives of at least 16 families and averted a major tragedy after he single-handedly pulled a burning gas cylinder out of a four-storey residential building in west Delhi's Mohan Garden area, police said on Monday.

Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) (Dwarka) Ankit Singh said that the incident took place on Saturday around 9:30 pm, adding, "Before the local police or fire officials could reach the spot, Constable Anil Mahla who is posted as beat staff in the area took a split-second decision that proved life-saving."

Police said that the cylinder caught fire on the kitchen of the third floor. The cause of fire was still unknown, they said.

The constable entered the kitchen, dragged out...