A devastating fire broke out at a hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, claiming 17 lives and leaving several others injured. The incident occurred at the Flourish Stays hotel, where a massive fire engulfed the building, leading to panic and chaos. The Delhi Fire Department rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames after a multi-hour operation.
CM Announces Ex Gratia
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. The CM expressed grief over the tragedy and assured strict action against those responsible.
Owner Produced in Court
The hotel owner was produced in a local court on Wednesday, where the police sought custody for further investigation. The court remanded the owner to police custody for three days. Authorities are probing whether the hotel had proper fire safety measures and necessary clearances.
Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Delhi Fire Service Act. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but preliminary reports suggest a short circuit might have triggered the blaze. Fire officials said the hotel lacked adequate fire exits and extinguishers.
Rescue Operations
Rescue teams worked tirelessly through the night to evacuate trapped guests. Many were rescued using ladders and ropes. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition. The Delhi government has announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured.
Political Reactions
Opposition leaders have slammed the Delhi government over the incident, accusing it of negligence in enforcing safety norms. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party, however, defended its record, stating that strict action would be taken against the hotel management. The incident has reignited the debate on fire safety in commercial establishments in the capital.
Authorities have sealed the hotel pending a detailed inquiry. The Delhi Police have formed a special investigation team to look into the matter. The owner and other staff members are being questioned to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
