THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, June 3: At least 21 people, including 17 foreign nationals, were killed and 37 others rescued after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning.
According to officials, the fire erupted around 8.50 am in the basement restaurant of the five-storey Flourish Stay hotel and later spread to the adjoining Micasa Inn hotel.
Most of the deceased were reportedly citizens of Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh.
Guests Trapped as Fire Engulfs Building
Officials said more than 40 guests were staying at the hotel, many of whom were asleep when the fire broke out.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing several people jump from the building to escape the flames.
“I saw four to six people breaking the glass and jumping from the building to escape the fire. One person’s leg appeared to have been broken after the fall,” a witness told reporters.
Major Rescue Operation Launched
The Delhi Fire Service rushed 17 fire tenders to the scene along with water engines, water bowsers and quick-response vehicles.
Chief Fire Officer A.K. Malik said firefighters rescued 37 people from the building.
“It was a five-story building. People were residing in the basement as well. The basement was secured with a shutter. Firefighters had to cut through the shutter to gain entry, where six people were found inside,” Malik said.
He added that the fire originated in the basement before spreading to the upper floors.
Hotel Lacked Fire Clearance, Say Sources
Preliminary findings indicate that the hotel did not possess a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Sources said Flourish Stay had been granted permission to operate under the bed-and-breakfast (B&B) category, which allowed only six rooms. However, the establishment was allegedly operating around 25 rooms, including accommodation in the basement.
Officials also noted that the building had only one entry and exit point and lacked adequate ventilation, factors that may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Investigation Into Cause of Fire
The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.
A chef working at the neighbouring Micasa Inn said he heard a loud blast moments before noticing the fire.
“I suddenly heard a loud blast. When I stepped outside, I saw that the entire hotel was on fire. I somehow managed to escape,” he said.
PM Announces Ex-Gratia Relief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim.
“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,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, including possible violations of fire safety norms.