‘Her head rested on his shoulder’: African couple die while waiting for rescue in Delhi fire | Today’s news
In a tragedy, an African couple undergoing IVF treatment at a Delhi hospital was found dead in each other’s arms after succumbing to smoke inhalation in the devastating Malviya Nagar fire that claimed 21 lives, PTI reported.
The couple were among 12 foreign nationals killed in a fire at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani on Wednesday. Rescue teams discovered them in a ground-floor bathroom, where they were said to have sought refuge as thick smoke and flames quickly spread through the building. Despite their efforts to escape the inferno, the pair died together and stuck together till the very end, PTI reported.
Hospital staff and residents familiar with the couple said they were staying at the facility while receiving fertility treatment at a nearby hospital, PTI reported.
Here’s what hospital manager Max Smart had to say
Speaking to PTI, Wasim Raja, in charge of duty at Max Smart Hospital, who was among the first responders, described the scene as one that surpassed even the Taj Mahal as a symbol of love.
“Somehow we managed to open the bathroom door and saw something that cannot be described in words. I have seen many dead bodies in my career but nothing compares to what I saw there,” Raja told PTI.
The woman, who he said had recently undergone a medical procedure and had a surgical scar on her head, was sitting on the toilet seat while her husband sat on a chair next to her.
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“They were holding each other. Their arms were wrapped around each other and her head was resting on his shoulder,” he said.
Raja said paramedics immediately checked for signs of life and attempted CPR.
“We checked their pulse and veins and tried CPR and all possible life-saving measures, but there was no response. They most likely succumbed to smoke inhalation,” he said.
Even in their final moments, the couple seemed to seek comfort in each other’s presence, he added.
“As death approached, they decided to face it together in each other’s arms. It was a scene that will stay with me forever,” said Raja.
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Local taxi driver Ikrar, who lives near the hotel, said several drivers in the area knew the couple as they often traveled to and from a nearby hospital for treatment.
“They were undergoing IVF treatment. Drivers from our locality often took them to and from the hospital. They came here hoping to start a family,” he said.
Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning when a massive fire tore through the five-story hotel, killing 21 people and injuring several others.
Investigators looking into the incident have since learned that the building’s roof exit was allegedly blocked and that heaters were being used in several guest rooms. Police also alleged widespread violations at the facility, which was only allowed to operate six rooms but reportedly operated around 25.
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The cause of the fire remains under investigation, while the Delhi Police has launched a manhunt for the absconding hotel manager and issued a notice circular to the building’s owner and his wife.
Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of the hotel building where the fire broke out, was arrested on Wednesday, just hours after the incident.
Several of those who lost their lives were foreign nationals from African and Central Asian countries who had come to Delhi for medical care, work or business.
However, the stay in the capital ended in sorrow for the African couple. Paramedics said the pair’s final moments reflected a deep bond as they were found together in death, highlighting a story of friendship amid devastating tragedy.
(With input from agencies)
