A catastrophic fire broke out at a hotel in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, leading to at least 21 fatalities and many injuries, marking one of the most tragic fire events in the city in recent memory. Emergency teams spent hours evacuating guests and battling the flames that quickly consumed the building.
The inferno ignited around 8:50 a.m. in the basement restaurant of the five-storey Flourish Stay hotel. Official reports indicated that the fire escalated swiftly throughout the property, affecting nearby buildings and complicating rescue efforts in the crowded Hauz Rani area.
Among those who perished were both residents and international visitors, with many of the foreign casualties identified as individuals from African nations and Bangladesh who were in Delhi for medical reasons. Numerous guests were asleep when the fire erupted, leaving them little time to escape.
Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes of panic as trapped guests attempted to flee the smoke-laden hotel. Some resorted to breaking windows and jumping from higher floors, while nearby residents and rescuers positioned mattresses below to cushion their falls. Videos captured the desperate struggle for survival as firefighters arrived on the scene.
Initial investigations have raised significant alarms regarding fire safety at the hotel. Authorities revealed that the establishment was allegedly operating well beyond its authorized capacity and lacked a current fire safety clearance. Firefighters noted that the building had only one entry and exit point, alongside inadequate ventilation, which impeded rescue operations.
The Delhi Fire Service dispatched 17 fire engines and several emergency response teams. Firefighters had to cut through a shutter to access the basement where numerous individuals were trapped. Overall, 37 people were rescued during this extensive operation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and any potential breaches of safety regulations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims' families and pledged financial support for those affected. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta shared her deep sorrow over the incident and promised comprehensive medical and relief assistance. Officials are committed to a thorough inquiry as scrutiny intensifies regarding adherence to fire safety laws in the city's commercial properties.
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