Shocking details emerge in Malviya Nagar fire: Delhi BnB operated 25 rooms but was allowed six; 21 killed | Today’s news
Flourish Stay B&B, where a massive fire broke out in Malviya Nagar on Wednesday that killed 21 people, including foreign nationals, was running 25 rooms despite being allowed to run only six under the Delhi government’s bed and breakfast policy, according to police officials.
The rooms reportedly appeared in the basement of the building. Officials said the hotel had one entry and exit point and its fire safety clearance (NOC) is being scrutinized as part of the investigation, according to PTI.
Police added that the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Malviya Nagar fire: What happened?
The fire at Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, started around 8.30 am on Wednesday, spread rapidly and caught the passengers by surprise. Rescuers, assisted by local residents, rushed to the site to evacuate people trapped inside the narrow five-story building.
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Officials said about 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals, where 21 were pronounced dead on arrival. The numbers may rise as several injured remain in critical condition. Among those killed were foreign nationals, including visitors from Central Asian and African countries, who were staying at the hotel and caring for relatives receiving treatment at the nearby Max Hospital.
Scenes from the area showed high flames engulfing the building, with overhead electrical wires twisted above the narrow alleyways. Broken glass and smoke-blackened debris were strewn around the structure.
Teams from the Delhi Fire Services, police and disaster response agencies conducted extensive searches of the charred building to find survivors. Several victims were pulled from the basement and taken to hospitals by ambulance.
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Hauz Rani, an urban village located near posh shopping malls, major hospitals, Saket Judicial Complex and the residential areas of Malviya Nagar and Saket, witnessed a massive emergency response following the incident.
While initial reports indicated that the fire started at the Lemon Green restaurant, police later clarified that the fire had started in the hotel building. According to fire officer AK Malik, the structure consists of basement, ground floor and five upper floors.
The restaurant operated on the ground floor of the building, while the upper floors were used as a hotel.
What did the eyewitnesses say?
According to an eyewitness who was among the first responders, the basement was locked and he was helping firefighters get inside. “It took more than 20 minutes to open the basement,” he said.
The incident sparked several horrifying scenes.
As thick smoke filled the building and the fire spread rapidly, residents could be seen smashing window panes and desperately calling for help.
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“A woman holding a small child jumped from the third floor after local residents spread mattresses on the ground in an attempt to save those trapped inside,” an eyewitness said.
“She was holding the child tightly and jumped when there was no other way out. People had already arranged mattresses under the building. Both survived, but she appeared to have sustained injuries,” he added.
Condolences are pouring in
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences over the tragedy. The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia payment of Rs ₹2 million from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of those who lost their lives, while the injured would receive ₹50,000.
Several Congress leaders also mourned the loss of life, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi, who expressed grief over the incident.
(With input from agencies)
