Delhi Fire Tragedy: 21 Killed, Several Injured in Massive Blaze at Malviya Nagar Building
New Delhi: A devastating fire in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area claimed the lives of at least 21 people and left several others critically injured on Wednesday morning, triggering a massive rescue operation and drawing condolences from leaders across the country.
The fire broke out around 8:45 am in a building located in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani. Initial reports suggested that the blaze started at Lemon Green Restaurant, but Delhi Police later clarified that the incident actually occurred at the nearby Flourish Stay B&B, a property that housed foreign nationals and also had a restaurant operating in its basement.
More Than 40 People Rescued
According to officials, over 40 people were rescued from the building and rushed to nearby hospitals by CATS ambulance services. However, 21 victims were declared dead on arrival. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as several injured persons remain in critical condition.
Many of those who lost their lives are believed to be foreign nationals staying at the property.
Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the scene shortly after the alarm was raised, and firefighters worked for hours to control the blaze and evacuate trapped occupants.
Rescue Operations Faced Difficult Conditions
The building’s location in the congested lanes of Hauz Rani reportedly made rescue operations challenging. Firefighters and emergency response teams had to navigate narrow access roads while battling the rapidly spreading flames.
An official from the Delhi Fire Service confirmed that three people were rescued from the basement area in Malviya Nagar where the restaurant was located.
Authorities are continuing search operations amid concerns that more people may have been trapped inside the structure.
Prime Minister Announces Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragic incident and announced financial assistance for the victims and their families.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the loss of lives was deeply tragic and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
He also announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured in the incident.
“The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. 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,” Modi said.
Amit Shah Expresses Deep Sorrow
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the tragedy.
“My heart is deeply grieved by the fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations. My condolences are with those who have lost their loved ones in this heart-wrenching tragedy,” Shah wrote on X.
AAP Leader Questions Emergency Response
AAP leader Somnath Bharti, who visited the site, described the incident as “extremely tragic and horrific.”
He claimed that some people were still trapped in the upper floors of the building and alleged delays in the arrival of fire services.
“The most unfortunate part is that the fire brigade reached the spot nearly an hour later, at least 50 minutes after the incident was reported,” Bharti said.
He added that the building was functioning as a hotel and had previously been used as a Khadi Gram building.
Delhi CM Promises Full Support
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured all possible assistance to affected families.
In a statement posted on X, Gupta said emergency teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), CATS Ambulance Services and other agencies were immediately mobilised after receiving information about the fire.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength and courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” she said.
The Chief Minister further stated that the Delhi Government stands firmly with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Kharge Calls for Timely Compensation
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also condoled the deaths and urged authorities to ensure adequate compensation and prompt medical treatment for the injured.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Kharge said.
He also appealed to Congress workers to extend every possible support to the victims and their families.
Cause of Fire Yet to Be Determined
As rescue and relief operations continue, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Officials said a detailed inquiry will examine whether safety norms were followed and what factors contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.
For now, the focus remains on treating the injured, supporting the affected families, and ensuring that any remaining occupants are safely evacuated.
The incident has emerged as one of the deadliest fire tragedies in Delhi in recent years, raising fresh concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial and residential establishments across the capital.
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