Tragic Fire in Malviya Nagar Claims 21 Lives, Investigation Underway
Devastating Fire Incident in South Delhi
A catastrophic fire broke out this morning in the Malviya Nagar area of South Delhi, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 21 lives and leaving several others injured. According to officials, the blaze erupted in a building known as Flourish Stay B&B, which housed a restaurant on its ground floor. Initial reports indicate that among the deceased, there are several foreign nationals. The incident caused widespread panic in the vicinity, prompting immediate action from various rescue agencies.
Firefighters Respond Quickly
Fire service officials reported that they received the fire alert around 9:45 AM. Upon receiving the call, multiple fire engines were dispatched to the scene. The rapid spread of the flames made it challenging to rescue those trapped inside, but rescue teams managed to evacuate over 40 individuals safely. All injured persons were transported to hospitals via ambulances from the centralized accident and trauma services. Earlier, officials had mentioned that three individuals were rescued from the basement and taken to the hospital.
Emergency Response Activated
Jitendra Kumar, an officer from the District Disaster Management Authority, stated that the emergency response system was activated immediately upon receiving news of the incident. He noted that all emergency operation centers were instructed to reach the site without delay. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that a restaurant was operating on the ground floor of the building. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, it is suspected that it may have originated from the restaurant. Authorities have announced that a thorough investigation is ongoing.
Prime Minister Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the incident. A message from the Prime Minister's Office conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Additionally, it was announced that the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would provide ₹2 lakh to the families of each victim and ₹50,000 to each injured person.
Chief Minister's Response
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also expressed her grief regarding this tragic event. She stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and providing all possible assistance to the affected families. The Chief Minister highlighted that teams from the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, District Disaster Management Authority, ambulance services, and other emergency agencies promptly arrived at the scene to initiate rescue operations. She emphasized that timely action saved many lives and assured that the Delhi government stands firmly with the affected families during this difficult time, ensuring that all injured receive necessary medical care.
Investigation Continues
Currently, the exact cause of the fire has not been determined. Investigative agencies are gathering evidence from the site, and a comprehensive inquiry is underway. This incident raises serious concerns once again about fire safety measures and compliance with safety standards in buildings across the capital.