21 killed in fire in south Delhi hotel, several foreigners among those dead

A massive fire broke out in a bed and breakfast hotel in  Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people.

Several of those killed are foreigners, mainly from Central Asia and Africa, officials said.

Earlier in the day, officials said the fire started in Lemon Green Restaurant at 8.45 am. Police later clarified that the blaze was actually at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani in the congested Malviya Nagar area.

More than 40 people were rescued and rushed to hospital where 21 were declared brought dead. There are fears that the death toll might rise further as several of those injured are critical.

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The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

The incident has added to Delhi’s rising toll from fire-related accidents this year. According to Delhi Fire Services data, at least 45 people had died in fire incidents across the city between January and May 27, with March recording the highest number of fatalities at 15.

The fire department has also reported a sharp increase in emergency calls during the summer months, which officials attribute to high temperatures, dry weather conditions and increased electrical loads.

Further details are awaited.