A day after a devastating fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives, the neighborhood remains gripped by fear and grief. Residents, particularly those living and working near the site, are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Shopkeeper Recalls Horrific Scenes
A shopkeeper who runs a small general store barely 10 metres from the hotel said the scenes he witnessed would remain etched in his memory forever. "Even a small sound scares us now," he said, describing the chaos and panic that ensued as flames engulfed the building.
Community in Shock
The fire, which broke out late at night, quickly spread through the hotel, trapping many guests. Rescue operations continued for hours, with firefighters and emergency personnel working tirelessly to evacuate survivors and recover bodies. The incident has left the local community in deep shock, with many questioning the safety standards of such establishments.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and whether the hotel complied with fire safety regulations. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and promised strict action against those found negligent.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in public places, especially in densely populated urban areas like Malviya Nagar.
