At least 21 people were killed and more than 40 others rescued after a massive fire engulfed a hotel-cum-guest house building in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving fire services, police and disaster response agencies.
Officials said several of those killed were foreign nationals, primarily from Central Asian and African countries. The death toll could rise as some of the injured remain in critical condition.
The blaze broke out around 8.45am in a multi-storey building in the congested Hauz Rani locality of south Delhi. While initial reports suggested that the fire originated at the Lemon Green Restaurant operating in the basement, police later clarified that the incident occurred at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast located in the same building complex.
South Delhi deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Anant Mittal said the fire was brought under control through a coordinated response by multiple agencies.
"Through the coordinated efforts of Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and other emergency responders, more than 40 persons were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment," he said.
Rescue teams evacuated people trapped inside the building, while dozens of victims were rushed to nearby hospitals. Officials said 21 people were declared dead and several others were undergoing treatment.
Witnesses and officials reported that some occupants attempted to jump from upper floors to escape the flames and thick smoke that rapidly spread through the building.
Search and rescue operations continued for several hours as teams combed through the premises to ensure that no one remained trapped.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire.
Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Jitender Kumar, who visited the site, said preliminary findings suggested that the blaze may have originated in the basement area where a restaurant was operating.
"I received information in the morning and immediately directed teams to reach the spot. It has been found that a restaurant was operating in the building's basement. The exact cause is not yet known, but most likely the fire started there. The investigation is underway," Mr Kumar told reporters.
He said strict action would be taken against any individuals or establishments found to have violated safety regulations.
"It is necessary to take strict action against those violating the rules. Directions will be issued to the concerned departments to act against those carrying out activities illegally or operating under the guise of permissions," he said.
Prime minister (PM) Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims' families.
In a social media post, the prime minister said he was saddened by the tragedy and that authorities were providing all possible assistance to those affected.
He announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased victim. Those injured in the incident will receive ₹50,000 each.
Delhi chief minister (CM) Rekha Gupta also expressed condolences and said the government was closely monitoring the situation.
She said teams from Delhi fire services, Delhi police, the district disaster management authority (DDMA), CATS ambulance services and other emergency agencies were mobilised immediately after the incident was reported.
"Their swift response helped rescue and evacuate several people from the affected premises," Ms Gupta said.
She added that all necessary medical assistance and support were being provided to the injured and the families of those who lost their lives.
"The Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all required support is extended to those affected," the chief minister said.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over fire safety compliance in commercial establishments operating in densely populated areas of the national capital.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the building had adequate fire-safety measures, emergency exits and the required regulatory approvals.
The incident comes a day after another major accident in Delhi, in which 10 people were injured when a suspected LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinder explosion caused a building collapse in the Mukundpur area.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the blaze and fix responsibility for any lapses that may have contributed to the disaster.
