Bhubaneswar: At least 21 people lost their lives and more than 40 others were rescued after a massive fire engulfed a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area of South Delhi on Wednesday morning, triggering panic among guests and staff trapped inside the smoke-filled building.
The fire broke out at Flourish Stay B&B, a property operating under the Delhi government’s Bed and Breakfast scheme. Officials said several of the deceased were foreign nationals, primarily from countries in Central Asia and Africa. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as a number of injured victims remain in critical condition.
Eyewitness videos from the scene showed desperate attempts by occupants to escape the flames and thick smoke, including two women who reportedly jumped from the building. Their condition was not immediately confirmed.
According to the Delhi Fire Service, information about the fire was received at around 9 a.m. Emergency responders rushed to the spot with eight fire tenders and multiple support vehicles to contain the blaze and rescue those trapped inside.
More than 40 people were evacuated, while the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Alleged Safety Violations Under Scrutiny
Preliminary investigations have revealed possible violations of operating and safety norms. Sources indicated that the establishment had been granted permission to operate only six rooms under the Bed and Breakfast scheme but was allegedly running as many as 25 rooms, including accommodations in the basement.
Rescue teams reportedly saved at least three individuals from the basement area.
Authorities have also raised concerns over the hotel’s infrastructure. According to the police, the building had only a single entry and exit point, potentially hampering evacuation efforts during the emergency.
Investigators are now examining whether the hotel possessed the required fire safety installations and a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). The process of registering a First Information Report (FIR) against the hotel owner has been initiated.
Probe Underway
Officials from the fire department, police, and civic authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess whether negligence or violations of safety regulations contributed to the tragedy.
The incident has once again brought attention to fire safety compliance in hotels, guest houses, and commercial establishments operating in densely populated urban areas, where overcrowding and inadequate emergency infrastructure can significantly increase risks during disasters.
-OdishaAge
