At least 21 individuals lost their lives when a fire erupted in a New Delhi hotel on Wednesday morning, according to police reports. The incident occurred in the Flourish Inn Stay hotel located in the Malviya Nagar neighborhood.
The fire began around 8:50 a.m. local time on the ground floor, within the hotel restaurant. It rapidly spread to higher levels of the five-story building, catching many hotel guests off guard while they were asleep in their rooms.
Witnesses captured videos showing people attempting to escape the fire and smoke by jumping from windows on the upper floors. Local resident Vasim Raja, who arrived early at the scene, stated, “I saw at least two people jumping out from the windows.” He also mentioned that local residents managed to rescue seven individuals from the building’s basement before official rescuers arrived.
Efforts from firefighters and rescue workers were underway following the ignition. Authorities confirmed the presence of 47 people inside the hotel at the time of the fire. Among the deceased were 17 foreign nationals from African and central Asian regions, as well as locals.
The Flourish Inn Stay hotel is a favored accommodation for those seeking treatment at the Max Hospital Saket, located nearby. Max Hospital released a statement indicating that 18 bodies of victims were received and 15 injured persons received care in its intensive care units.
India’s relatively affordable healthcare system contributes to its status as a hub for medical tourism for individuals from various international locations, including Africa, central Asia, and the Persian Gulf.
The Delhi Police have registered a legal case of culpable homicide against unknown individuals linked to this tragic incident. An investigation is underway to determine the fire’s origin, which remains uncertain; preliminary reports suggest a potential electrical short circuit.
A preliminary examination by the fire department revealed the absence of a valid fire safety certificate for the hotel. Government authorities have mandated a thorough investigation to establish the cause.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation for affected families. Families of the deceased will receive relief payments of 200,000 Indian rupees (approximately $2,020), and those injured will receive 50,000 rupees (around $520). Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, also expressed sympathies and condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the severity of the tragedy.