21 Killed, Including 11 Foreign Nationals, in Devastating Delhi Hotel Fire; Owner Arrested.
New Delhi:
In one of the deadliest fire tragedies to hit the national capital in recent years, at least 21 people, including 11 foreign nationals, lost their lives after a massive fire engulfed a hotel-cum-restaurant building in South Delhi’s Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning. More than 40 people were rescued during a large-scale emergency operation, while several others sustained serious burn injuries and suffered from smoke inhalation.
The blaze broke out at Flourish Stay B&B, a multi-storey guest house operating above a restaurant, triggering scenes of panic and chaos as thick smoke rapidly spread through the building’s corridors and staircases. Trapped guests desperately sought escape routes, with many forced to jump from upper floors to save their lives.
Panic and Desperation
Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes as screams echoed through the narrow lanes surrounding the building. Videos shared on social media showed flames consuming large portions of the structure while dense black smoke billowed into the sky.
Local residents played a crucial role in rescue efforts, placing mattresses and quilts on the ground to cushion the impact for people jumping from windows and balconies. Witnesses reported seeing at least two women, one carrying a child, leap from upper floors amid the inferno.
Families of victims gathered outside hospitals across the city in search of information as emergency teams battled the blaze.
Foreign Nationals Among Victims
Officials confirmed that many of those killed were foreign nationals visiting India for medical treatment. The deceased included citizens from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh. Several members of two Indian families, one from Rajasthan and another from Gurugram, also perished in the tragedy.
According to the Delhi Police, 21 people died while nearly 50 others were rescued from the building.
Rescue Operation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Anant Mittal, said the first Police Control Room (PCR) call was received at 8:48 a.m. Police teams, Delhi Fire Service personnel, disaster response units and local residents immediately launched rescue and evacuation operations.
Eight fire tenders were deployed to the site to contain the flames. Firefighters worked for several hours before bringing the situation under control.
Authorities stated that 47 people affected by the incident were taken to various hospitals for treatment.
Hospital Casualties
According to official data:
– Six victims were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where three were declared dead, two were treated for injuries and one remained critical.
– Three people were admitted to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital. Two were treated for injuries, while one was referred to Safdarjung Hospital.
– Thirty-eight victims were taken to Max Hospital. Eighteen were declared dead on arrival, 13 sustained injuries and seven remained in critical condition. One patient was later shifted to Safdarjung Hospital.
Building Safety Violations Under Scanner
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire originated in a restaurant located on the ground floor of the building before spreading rapidly through the guest house above.
Authorities revealed that the property had only a single entry-exit point, a major factor that hindered evacuation efforts and trapped dozens of occupants inside.
The owner of the establishment, Lavkesh Bajaj, has been detained and later arrested in connection with the incident. Police had earlier issued a Look-Out Circular (LOC) against him and his wife.
Investigators found that the bed-and-breakfast facility had official permission to operate only six rooms but was allegedly running as many as 25 rooms. An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to culpable homicide.
Questions Over Fire Safety
The tragedy has once again exposed serious concerns regarding fire safety compliance and enforcement in Delhi’s densely populated commercial areas.
Residents alleged that fire tenders reached the scene late and claimed several lives could have been saved with a faster response. However, the Delhi Fire Service denied the allegations, maintaining that emergency teams responded promptly after receiving the distress call.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
“The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
The Centre announced an ex gratia payment of Rs.2 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and Rs. 50,000 for those injured in the incident.
Citywide Safety Audit Ordered
In the aftermath of the disaster, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu ordered a month-long citywide inspection drive to assess fire safety compliance in hotels, guest houses, nursing homes, coaching centres, restaurants and other vulnerable commercial establishments.
Officials said the investigation would focus on identifying violations, ensuring compliance with safety norms and fixing accountability for lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.
As investigators continue to examine the cause of the fire and potential negligence, the Malviya Nagar tragedy has reignited concerns over regulatory oversight and the preparedness of emergency infrastructure in India’s capital city.
