At least 21 people have died and 37 others have been rescued after a fire tore through a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Thursday morning. The blaze began in a basement restaurant and spread rapidly to an adjoining hotel, trapping guests inside the building…reports Asian Lite News Desk
At least 21 people were killed and around 37 others rescued after a major fire broke out at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Thursday morning, according to officials.
Nine of the deceased were Indian nationals, while 12 were foreign citizens, mostly from Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria and Bangladesh. Authorities said the fire started around 8.50 am in the restaurant area of the Flourish Stay hotel, which was located in the basement of a five-storey building. The flames later spread to the neighbouring Micasa Inn hotel.
A senior official said emergency services responded quickly after receiving the distress call from the densely populated residential area, which is popular with students and young professionals. Fire services deployed multiple units to tackle the blaze.
An official said: “A total of 17 fire tenders were deployed and 37 people were rescued, he said, adding that the fire originated in the basement and subsequently spread to the upper floors.”
Video footage from the scene showed people jumping from the burning building in a bid to escape, with mattresses placed on the ground to cushion falls. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as residents and guests attempted to flee.
“I saw four to six people breaking the glass and jumping from the building to escape the fire. One person’s leg appeared to have been broken after the fall,” a witness told reporters.
The hotel, owned by Lavkesh Bajaj, is located in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani and contained around 25 rooms. It is reported to have been accommodating more than 40 guests at the time of the incident, including foreign nationals who were in the capital for medical treatment. Most of the guests were believed to have been asleep when the fire broke out.
Investigators are now examining potential safety lapses. Sources indicated that the Flourish Stay hotel had been granted permission under a bed and breakfast (B&B) category, which typically allows only six rooms, but was allegedly operating 25 rooms, including basement accommodation.
Preliminary findings from the fire department suggest the property did not have a valid fire No Objection Certificate. Officials also raised concerns about restricted exits and building design.
AK Malik, Chief Fire Officer of Delhi Fire Service, said: “It was a five-story building. People were residing in the basement as well. The basement was secured with a shutter. Firefighters had to cut through the shutter to gain entry, where six people were found inside,” Malik told NDTV.
He added that the building had only one entry and exit point, which allowed the fire to spread quickly, and noted the absence of windows, which further complicated evacuation efforts.
A chef working at the neighbouring Micasa Inn described hearing a sudden blast shortly before the fire spread.
“I suddenly heard a loud blast,” he said.
He said he later saw that there was fire. “When I stepped outside, I saw that the entire hotel was on fire. I somehow managed to escape,” Negi said.
The incident has prompted condolences and announcements of financial assistance from senior leaders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss of life as “tragic” and announced compensation for victims’ families. “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,” his office posted on X. He also said the injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident. “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength & courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” she wrote on X.
She added that emergency teams were immediately deployed after the incident was reported. “Immediately upon receiving information about the incident, teams of Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency response agencies were mobilised and launched rescue and relief operations, Gupta said.” Their response, she said, helped evacuate several people.
The Delhi government said it is closely monitoring the situation and continuing to provide medical and logistical support to those affected.
