Tragic Fire in Delhi Hotel Claims Lives of 21, Including Foreign Nationals
Devastating Fire in Malviya Nagar Hotel
A catastrophic fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, has resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals, among whom 17 were foreign nationals. Officials reported that the deceased primarily hailed from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Bangladesh. The blaze erupted around 8:48 AM at the Flourish Stay B&B, leading to the rescue of over 40 people.
Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Medical Director of Max Healthcare Group, addressed a press conference, revealing that eight patients injured in the fire are currently on ventilators and in critical condition. He noted that most injuries were due to smoke inhalation, with all victims suffering minor burns, except for one individual who sustained over 25% burns and was transferred to the burn ward at Safdarjung Hospital.
Budhiraja explained that many patients suffered broken bones from jumping from upper floors to escape the flames. He detailed that the injuries primarily included lung damage, minor burns, and fractures, with one patient undergoing neurosurgery for a spinal injury.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The victims included both Indian and foreign nationals, with the death toll comprising nine men and nine women. Meanwhile, Abhilash Kumar Malik, the Chief Fire Officer for the South region, stated that the Delhi Fire Service dispatched seven fire engines at 8:50 AM upon receiving the alert. As the situation escalated, the number of vehicles and personnel was increased.
Initially, a team with seven vehicles and an assistant divisional officer was sent. However, as calls for assistance grew, additional resources were deployed. Upon arrival, the team focused on extinguishing the fire and conducting search operations, successfully rescuing 39 individuals who were subsequently hospitalized.
Preliminary inspections revealed serious structural and fire safety deficiencies in the building, which consisted of a basement, ground floor, and five upper levels. The building had only one staircase alongside an elevator, and it was completely sealed, with windows shut, preventing airflow or smoke ventilation.