At least 21 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a massive fire engulfed a bed-and-breakfast hotel in the Hauz Rani area of South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning. Officials said many of the victims were foreign nationals, primarily from Central Asian and African countries. More than 40 people were rescued from the building and rushed to nearby hospitals, where 21 were declared dead on arrival. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as several injured victims remain in critical condition. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and a detailed investigation has been launched.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as thick smoke and flames rapidly spread through the building. Local residents played a crucial role in rescue efforts before emergency services arrived. According to witnesses, people trapped inside shouted for help while some attempted to escape through windows. Residents broke glass panes, spread mattresses and blankets on the ground, and created makeshift escape routes to help those stranded inside. One witness reported seeing a woman holding a child jump from the third floor onto mattresses arranged by locals, after which both were rushed to a hospital. Others recalled hearing multiple blast-like sounds shortly before the fire intensified, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for those injured. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also conveyed condolences and assured all possible assistance to affected families. Emergency teams from the Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, disaster management authorities, and ambulance services were immediately deployed to conduct rescue and relief operations. Officials stated that efforts are continuing at the site while investigators work to determine the circumstances that led to one of the deadliest fire incidents reported in the national capital in recent years.
