At least 21 people, including foreign nationals, lost their lives and over 40 others were rescued after a fire broke out at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Thursday morning. The blaze reportedly started around 8:50 am in the restaurant located in the basement of the five-storey Flourish Stay hotel before spreading to the adjacent Micasa Inn hotel.
Officials said multiple firefighting units, including two water tenders, two water bowsers, a quick-response vehicle, and other emergency teams, were rushed to the spot after receiving the distress call from the densely populated residential locality, known for its large student and young professional population.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
A video from the scene showed several people jumping from the burning building in an attempt to escape. Mattresses were placed on the ground to help cushion their fall.
“Around four to six people were seen breaking windows and jumping from the building to escape the blaze. One person appeared to suffer a leg injury after the fall,” a witness told reporters.
The hotel, situated in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, had around 25 rooms.
Reports suggest it was housing over 40 guests, including foreign nationals who had come to the national capital for medical treatment. Many overseas patients visiting Delhi for healthcare purposes often choose hotels or residential accommodations during their stay.
Most of the hotel guests were reportedly asleep when the fire broke out.
Delhi Hotel Fire: Were Critical Safety Measures Ignored?
Sources told NDTV that Flourish Stay had reportedly received a licence from the Delhi government under the bed and breakfast (B&B) category, which permitted only six rooms. However, the property was allegedly operating around 25 rooms, including accommodations in the basement.
Authorities are also checking whether the hotel had secured a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Reports further suggest that the hotel had only a single entry and exit point.
Chef Shares Horror Moments From Deadly Fire
Kesar Singh, a chef working at the neighbouring Micasa Inn, recalled that he was preparing tea on an electric stove when the incident occurred.
“I suddenly heard a loud explosion,” he said.
He added that he later realised a fire had broken out.
“When I stepped outside, I saw the entire hotel engulfed in flames. Somehow, I managed to escape,” Negi said.
PM Modi and Rekha Gupta Condole Tragic Loss of Lives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss of lives in the fire incident as “tragic” and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who died.
“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 announced that those injured in the incident would receive Rs 50,000 in financial assistance.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength and courage to everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” she wrote on X.
Gupta added that soon after information about the incident was received, teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services, and other emergency agencies were deployed and immediately began rescue and relief operations.
“Their swift response played a crucial role in rescuing and evacuating several people from the affected building,” she added.
She said the Delhi government is keeping a close watch on the situation.
“All necessary medical aid and support are being provided to the affected families. In this time of grief, the Delhi government stands firmly with those impacted and remains committed to extending every possible assistance,” Gupta said.