The narrow bylanes of Hauz Rani, tucked away in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, are usually a bustling hub of activity, heavily frequented by foreign nationals visiting the nearby private hospital for medical treatment. On Wednesday morning, however, this tight-knit community became the scene of a catastrophic tragedy when a deadly fire tore through Flourish Stay, a local bed-and-breakfast (B&B), claiming at least 21 lives—the majority of whom were foreign guests.
Preliminary investigations have raised concerns over possible licensing violations and compliance with safety norms. While the Delhi Tourism department had approved the property for just six rooms under its official bed-and-breakfast scheme, authorities discovered that the five-storey building was actually operating 24 rooms.
Single exit
Authorities are examining whether licensing violations and overcrowding could have contributed to the high death toll. Delhi Police confirmed that despite housing dozens of guests across its basement, ground floor, and multiple upper storeys, the property possessed only a single entry and exit point.
On Agoda, the establishment boasts a capacity of 24 rooms, as opposed to the limit made mandatory by the government, while also operating from four storeys. Multiple rooms are provided on offer, even as the property is branded as a fairly fire-secure establishment.
When the blaze erupted on Wednesday morning—potentially originating from a restaurant operating on the B&B’s ground floor—the building rapidly filled with thick, suffocating smoke. With inadequate ventilation and no alternative fire escapes, panic quickly took hold. More than 40 people were eventually rescued by emergency services, but for many inside, the situation was immediately desperate.
Rescue efforts
Witnesses described scenes of chaos. Footage from the ground captured the terrifying moments local shopkeepers and residents rushed to the scene before emergency services arrived. Desperate to escape the raging flames, trapped guests were forced to leap from the upper storeys. In one harrowing sequence, two women jumped from the burning structure, landing on makeshift support networks and mattresses laid out on the tarmac by neighbours.
A comprehensive investigation is now underway as authorities probe whether the building had any fire safety clearance, alongside broader violations of building codes, tourism regulations, and safety norms that contributed to the immense scale of the tragedy.
PM expresses grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire incident in Malviya Nagar here and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
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“The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is tragic. 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,” Modi said in a post on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday also expressed deep sorrow in a post on X.
“My heart is deeply grieved by the fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations. My condolences are with those who have lost their loved ones in this heart-wrenching tragedy,” he said.
‘Fire tenders reached late’
AAP leader and former Malviya Nagar MLA Somnath Bharti says, “The situation is extremely tragic and horrific. Some people are still trapped in the upper rooms. This building was operating as a hotel; it was previously a Khadi Gram building.” He alleged that the fire brigade reached the spot an hour late.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the devastating fire in a post on X.
“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. Immediately upon receiving information about the incident, teams of Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency response agencies were mobilised and launched rescue and relief operations,” she said.
“In this hour of grief, the Delhi Government stands firmly with the affected families. We remain committed to providing every possible support to those impacted by this tragedy,” Gupta said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in the fire incident in Malviya Nagar here and urged the state government to provide adequate and timely compensation, including prompt medical care to those injured.
Deeply saddened
In a post on X, Kharge said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The state government authorities should provide adequate and timely compensation, including prompt medical care to the victims, Kharge said.
“I urge Congress workers to extend every possible help and support to the victims in this difficult time,” the Congress chief said.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Further details are awaited.
