A devastating fire tragedy struck national capital on Wednesday. A massive blaze ripped through a hotel building in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, leaving at least 21 people dead and several others injured.The fire broke out at the multi-storied Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast hotel, in Hauz Rani area. Delhi Fire Services launched a major rescue operation after receiving a call around 8:50 AM India Standard Time.
According to officials, more than 40 people were rescued and shifted to hospitals. The fire has now been brought under control, while eight injured persons remain critical.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive fifty thousand rupees as assistance.At least 17 foreign nationals were among those killed, with victims reportedly from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the Ministry is coordinating with foreign embassies and extending all necessary assistance. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has expressed grief over the tragedy and said the Delhi Government is closely monitoring the situation while extending support to affected families.Meanwhile,
Chief Fire Officer for South Zone, Abhilash Kumar Malik, said that seven fire tenders were initially deployed before additional manpower and equipment were rushed as the scale of the incident became clear.Delhi Police have registered an FIR under culpable homicide and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police identified hotel owner Lokesh Bajaj and said the property was allegedly run by three partners.
Meanwhile, 10 Delhi Police personnel involved in rescue operations were admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre after exposure in the red zone. Officials said all are stable.As investigations continue into what triggered the deadly blaze, questions are now being raised over safety compliance.
