New Delhi: At least 21 people were killed and several others injured after a devastating fire swept through a hotel building in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, making it one of the deadliest fire incidents reported in the national capital in recent years.
The blaze reportedly originated in a restaurant operating on the lower floors of the building before rapidly spreading through the structure, trapping dozens of occupants inside. Television footage and eyewitness accounts showed thick smoke engulfing the building as desperate occupants attempted to escape through windows and balconies. Some people were seen jumping from upper floors in a bid to save their lives.
Fire and rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call and launched a large-scale evacuation operation. More than 40 people were rescued from the building and shifted to hospitals for treatment. Several of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.
Officials said the affected building housed a restaurant on the ground floor and hotel accommodation on upper floors. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire may have started in the restaurant section, although the exact cause remains under investigation.
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to fire safety compliance in commercial establishments, particularly in densely populated urban areas where violations of safety norms have repeatedly come under scrutiny following similar disasters in the past.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze and examine whether fire safety regulations were being followed at the premises.
Meanwhile, Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister has expressed profound grief over the tragic fire incident. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. The Chief Minister expressed solidarity with all those affected by the tragic incident.