At least 21 people were killed, including foreign nationals, and more than 40 others rescued after a fire broke out at a hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out around 8.50 am in the restaurant of the Flourish Stay hotel, which was reportedly located in the basement of the five-storey building. The fire later spread to another hotel, Micasa Inn, next to it.
An official said that two water engines, two water bowsers, a quick-response vehicle and other firefighting units were sent after they received the distress call from the predominantly residential area, which is densely populated and is popular with students and young professionals.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
A video showed some people jumping from the burning building to save their lives. Mattresses were spread on the ground to cushion the fall of people.
"I saw four to six people breaking the glass and jumping from the building to escape the fire. One person's leg appeared to have been broken after the fall," a witness told reporters.
The hotel, located in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, comprised about 25 rooms.
It reportedly had also accommodated more than 40 guests, including foreigners who were in Delhi for medical treatment. Most of the foreign nationals seeking treatment in Delhi often stay in hotels or residential accommodation during their visits.
Most of the guests in the hotel were reportedly sleeping when the fire broke out.
According to NDTV sources, Flourish Stay had been granted a licence by the Delhi government under a bed and breakfast (B&B) concept. Under this permission, only six rooms were allowed. However, the hotel was reportedly operating 25 rooms, including rooms in the basement.
Authorities are also verifying whether the hotel had obtained a fire NOC (no objection certificate).
The hotel also had only one entry and exit point.
Kesar Singh, a chef working at the Micasa Inn, recounted that it was around 8:00 am when he attempted to switch on an electric stove, causing flames to suddenly flare up.
He said he soon realised that a fire had already engulfed the hotel.
"I immediately alerted my assistant that the hotel was on fire," he said.
"When I stepped outside, I saw that the entire hotel was on fire. I somehow managed to escape," Negi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the loss of lives in the fire incident was "tragic" and announced Rs 2 lakh aid for the families of the victims.
"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 said the injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Source: NDTV
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
