Deadly Hotel Fire in New Delhi: 21 Lives Lost

Tragic Fire Incident in India’s Capital

At least 21 individuals died when a fire engulfed the Flourish Inn Stay hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. The blaze began at approximately 8:50 a.m. local time in the hotel’s ground floor restaurant in Malviya Nagar. It spread rapidly to the upper floors, where many guests were asleep.

Escape and Rescue Efforts

Witnesses reported seeing people jumping from the building to flee the thick smoke and flames. Vasim Raja, a local resident, described the desperate escape attempts to CBS News. Before rescuers arrived, he and others managed to rescue seven people from the basement.

I saw at least two people jumping out from the windows, Vasim Raja recounted.

Casualties and Medical Response

There were 47 guests in the hotel during the incident. The police confirmed that among the 21 fatalities, 17 were foreign nationals from African and Central Asian nations. The hotel is known for catering to those seeking medical treatment at the nearby Max Hospital Saket. The hospital received 18 deceased victims and treated 15 injured in their intensive care units.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

The Delhi Police registered a culpable homicide case relating to the fire. Early investigations revealed that the hotel lacked a valid fire safety certificate. Authorities ordered an inquiry into the cause, with initial reports suggesting an electrical short circuit as a possible trigger.

Government Response and Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced relief payments. Families of the deceased will receive 200,000 rupees (about $2,020), while injured individuals will get 50,000 rupees (about $520). Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, called the fire a “heartbreaking tragedy” and extended sympathies to the afflicted families.