A devastating fire at Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, claimed 21 lives and left 26 injured on Wednesday, making it one of the deadliest fire tragedies in the national capital in the past four years.
Repeated Safety Failures
The incident has once again highlighted that authorities have learned no lessons from the Uphaar Cinema tragedy, which killed 59 people on June 13, 1997, and the Hotel Arpit tragedy, where 17 people died in their sleep in 2019. Despite repeated court directions to ensure multiple exit gates in such facilities, tragedies continue to expose glaring gaps in enforcement.
Building Violations
The five-storey building in Hauz Rani village, opposite Max Hospital, Saket, had only a single entry and exit gate, which went unnoticed by civic agencies. The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) stated that the establishment, operating under a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) licence permitting only six rooms, was allegedly running about 25 rooms across the basement, ground floor, and upper storeys. It also lacked a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Eyewitness Account
According to an eyewitness, the fire broke out after an electrical plug blast when a kitchen appliance was switched off. Despite attempts to use fire extinguishers, the flames spread rapidly. Within five minutes, the ground floor was filled with thick smoke, and within another six to seven minutes, the fire spread to upper floors. Several people broke window panes on the second floor and jumped to save themselves.
Rescue Operations
Local residents and Fire Department personnel had to use stones and hammers to break the main gate and windows to rescue trapped occupants. Fire Officer Ravinder Singh said the building was filled with smoke when rescue teams arrived, and many occupants were attendants of patients at a nearby private hospital and foreign nationals.
Legal Action
The Delhi Police have registered an FIR under charges of culpable homicide and initiated an enquiry. A team reached the house of hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj, and police plan to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) to prevent him and other accused from leaving the country. Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi has ordered a municipal investigation with a report due in three days.
Government Response
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a magisterial inquiry and a citywide crackdown on illegal properties, unauthorised guest houses, and establishments violating fire safety norms. She stated that such premises will be sealed and those responsible held accountable.
