Malviya Nagar fire: Jaishankar says MEA in touch with embassies as foreigners among 21 killed in hotel fire | Today’s news
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed condolences after at least 21 people, including foreign nationals, lost their lives in a fire at a hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.
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In a post on X, Jaishankar also said that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in touch with embassies and providing all necessary assistance. “Express our deepest condolences for the loss of lives, including foreign nationals, in the tragic fire at Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He added, “The MEA is in touch with the embassies and is providing all necessary assistance.”
His remarks came after a massive fire broke out at a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) hotel in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning. Among those who lost their lives were mostly foreign nationals whose sick relatives were being treated in nearby hospitals.
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Here is what happened
The flames at the Flourish Stay B&B started around 8.30am and quickly spread, catching everyone by surprise. Rescue workers, including many local residents, rushed to the scene to pull out those trapped inside the narrow five-story building.
The fire, which allegedly started on the ground floor of the restaurant, soon spread to other floors of the building. According to fire officer AK Malik, the building has a basement, ground floor and five upper floors. The restaurant operated on the ground floor, while the rest of the building was used as a hotel.
Reports also suggested the bed and breakfast was operating above capacity, with 24 rooms instead of six.
The Bangladesh High Commission offers its condolences
In a post on X, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi wrote: “The High Commission deeply condoles the tragic fire at Malviya Nagar in Delhi which claimed several precious lives and injured many more.”
It added: “So far, five Bangladeshi nationals have been identified among the injured. Three are being treated at Max Hospital in Saket and two others are being treated at Safdarjung Hospital. The mission is in constant contact with the authorities and is closely monitoring their condition and well-being. Bangladeyemsh wishes for a speedy recovery and sincere condolences to all the bereaved families and to all those affected by this tragedy. tireless efforts of the rescuers and emergency personnel.”
South Delhi fire death toll
At least 11 foreign nationals and 10 Indians lost their lives in a fire in Delhi on Wednesday. At least 16 people were injured and 19 others were in critical condition, PTI said citing official figures.
According to consolidated data, 58 people were affected by the fire. Among the dead were nine African nationals and two were from Turkmenistan. Among those who sustained injuries, five were foreign nationals while 11 were Indians.
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According to reports, 19 patients were in critical condition, 10 foreign nationals were on ventilator support and nine others were in serious condition but without ventilators.
Max Smart Hospital reported the highest death toll, recording 10 deaths, six foreign nationals and four Indians. Eight people, three foreign nationals and five Indians, died at the Max Super Specialty Hospital. 13 people have been admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Ten injured policemen in Delhi were also treated.
