New Delhi: Twenty-one people were killed and 47 others rescued after a devastating fire broke out at a residential hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning. The victims included foreign nationals from Bangladesh and other SAARC countries who had been staying near a hospital where their family members were undergoing treatment.
The fire was reported at Flourish Stay B&B at 8:48 AM. Local police immediately reached the spot and commenced rescue, evacuation, and relief operations. The blaze was successfully extinguished with the assistance of eight fire tenders, Delhi Police said.
“Through the coordinated efforts of Police, Fire Services, and other emergency responders, more than 40 persons have been rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. It is with profound sorrow that 21 persons have been declared dead in this tragic incident,” Delhi Police said in a statement. The force added that rescue and search operations were still underway and all concerned agencies remained deployed at the spot.
The Delhi Fire Service received the call at 8:50 AM. Fire Officer AK Malik said seven tenders were initially dispatched, with more units following shortly after. “As soon as our team reached the site, they immediately rescued 37 people from the building,” he said.
The building has a multi-storey structure consisting of a basement, a ground floor, and five upper floors. It did not function as a standalone residential complex. “Based on inquiries made with people at the site, we have gathered that most of the occupants were individuals whose known people were being treated in the MAX Hospital located directly across the street. Therefore, it is likely that these individuals were staying here for that specific purpose,” Malik said. He confirmed that foreign nationals were also among the occupants. “The fire was brought under control quite early on. We have now cleared the building and opened it up for the police,” he added.
BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay, who represents the Malviya Nagar assembly constituency, reached the spot by 9 AM and said the response from emergency services had been swift. “Within no time, the fire department and rescuers responded. The police and locals helped in rescuing people,” he said.
Upadhyay said the victims were largely from neighbouring countries who had come to Delhi seeking medical care. “There were Bangladeshis and people from SAARC countries who came here for medical treatment and stayed in the B&B,” he said. He warned that the toll could have been higher had agencies not acted quickly. “If the agencies had not responded on time, the incident could have been of greater intensity. It is a matter of investigation how the fire broke out,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragedy and announced financial relief for the victims. “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,” PM Modi said. He announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would receive Rs. 50,000.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that I am deeply saddened by the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength and courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” she said.
The Delhi government was closely monitoring the situation and that all necessary medical assistance and support were being extended to the affected families. “In this hour of grief, Delhi Govt. stands firmly with the affected families. We remain committed to providing every possible support to those impacted by this tragedy,” she added.
The Malviya Nagar fire comes a day after ten people were injured in a suspected LPG cylinder explosion that led to a building collapse in Delhi’s Mukundpur area, raising fresh concerns about fire safety standards in the capital.
The cause of the Flourish Stay B&B fire is yet to be officially determined. Investigations are underway.
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