At least 21 people were killed in Delhi including 17 foreign nationals, and about 37 others rescued after a fire broke out in a hotel in Malviya Nagar at the Flourish Stay Hotel, which is in a basement of a fivestorey building. The fire also spread to the Micasa Inn, another hotel next to Flourish Stay.
Two water engines, two water bowsers, a quick-response vehicle and other firefighting units were sent after they received the distress call from the predominantly residential area, which is densely populated and is popular with students and young professionals.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
A video showed some people jumping from the burning building to save their lives. Mattresses were spread on the ground to cushion the fall of people.
“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.
The hotel, owned by Lavkesh Bajaj is located in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, and comprised about 25 rooms. Most of the patients were in Delhi for medical treatment. There were about 40 people in the hotel, Most of the guests in the hotel were reportedly sleeping when the fire broke out.
Hotel Violated Rules
According to sources Flourish Stay had a license as an a bed and breakfast place with six rooms. However, the fire revealed that the hotel operated 25 rooms.
A preliminary investigation by the Fire Department has found the hotel had no valid Fire NOC (No Objection Certificate). Several hotels in the area operate without fire clearances, a senior official said.
The hotel also had only one entry and exit point. This allowed the fire to spread rapidly, according to AK Malik, Chief Fire Officer, Delhi Fire Service. The building also had no windows, he added.
“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 told the media.
A total of 17 fire tenders were deployed and 37 people were rescued, he said, adding that the fire originated in the basement and subsequently spread to the upper floors.
Lavkesh Bajaj and his partners own three hotels in the same area.
Restaurant Chef Recalls Fire Horror
Kesar Singh, a chef working at the neighbouring Micasa Inn, recounted that he was making a tea on an electric stove.
“I suddenly heard a loud blast,” he said.
He said he later saw that there was fire.
“When I stepped outside, I saw that the entire hotel was on fire. I somehow managed to escape,” Negi said.
Compensation to the Dead and Injured by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the loss of lives in the fire incident was “tragic” and announced Rs 2 lakh aid for the families of the victims.
“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,” his office posted on X.
He also said the injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength & courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” she wrote on X.
Immediately upon receiving information about the incident, teams of Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency response agencies were mobilised and launched rescue and relief operations, Gupta said.
“Their swift response helped in rescuing & evacuating several persons from the affected premises,” she added.
She said the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation.
“All necessary medical assistance & support are being extended to the affected families. In this hour of grief Delhi Govt. stands firmly with the affected families. We remain committed to providing every possible support to those impacted by this tragedy,” Gupta said.
Also Read: UP: Jhansi Hospital Fire Claims Lives of Ten Newborns, PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia https://www.vibesofindia.com/up-jhansi-hospital-fire-claims-lives-of-ten-newborns-pm-announces-ex-gratia/
