The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively coordinating with concerned embassies and providing all necessary assistance following a devastating fire at a hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday, which claimed 21 lives, including 17 foreign nationals.
Victims and Rescue Operations
Officials reported that most of the foreign victims were from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Bangladesh. The blaze broke out at Flourish Stay B&B around 8:48 am, resulting in at least 21 deaths and over 40 rescues. Eight patients remain on ventilator support in critical condition, according to Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Medical Director of Max Healthcare Group.
Injuries and Medical Response
Dr. Budhiraja explained that the majority suffered asphyxiation injuries from smoke inhalation, along with minor burns. One patient with burns over 25% of his body was transferred to Safdarjung Hospital's burn ward. Five patients were stable with minor injuries. Many patients sustained fractures after jumping from upper floors to escape the flames, including long bone fractures, pelvic fractures, and one spinal injury requiring neurosurgery.
Both Indian and foreign nationals were among the victims, he added.
Structural and Safety Concerns
Chief Fire Officer (South Zone) Abhilash Kumar Malik stated that the Delhi Fire Service deployed seven fire tenders after receiving a call at 8:50 am. Preliminary inspection revealed major structural and fire safety issues. The building had a basement, ground floor, and five upper stories, with only a single staircase and an elevator. All windows were shut, leaving no ventilation or smoke outlet, causing the structure to act like a chimney and rapidly spread smoke and heat to upper floors.
Unauthorized Construction
Officials noted that the hotel had permission to operate only six rooms under the bed-and-breakfast (B&B) scheme, but the owner had allegedly constructed 25 rooms. Similarly, Green Residency Hotel, located 100 meters away, had permission for six rooms but was allegedly operating 28 rooms.
Government Response
MCD Mayor Pravesh Wahi said strict directives have been issued to prevent such incidents. Ministers and senior municipal officials are on site, and the Prime Minister has announced relief assistance for victims. Continuous inspections will be conducted across all areas, and any negligence regarding safety protocols will not be tolerated. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. A total of 47 people were injured, and 21 lost their lives.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena will chair a high-level meeting with all concerned authorities to review the incident. Delhi Police have registered an FIR under culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
