A devastating fire ripped through a guest house in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, claiming at least 21 lives and critically injuring several others. The establishment, identified as Flourish Stay, was reportedly operating with significantly more rooms than its licensed capacity.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the property was initially permitted to function as a six-room bed-and-breakfast under a Delhi government policy. However, it had allegedly expanded to accommodate 25 rooms before the blaze erupted. The fire, which witnesses said originated in the restaurant area, rapidly consumed the building, trapping occupants on upper floors and in the basement.
Eyewitness accounts described harrowing scenes as individuals attempted to escape the inferno, with local residents reportedly spreading mattresses on the ground to break the falls of those who jumped from the burning structure. Emergency services rescued approximately 40 people from the building, with many others extracted from the basement.
At Max Hospital in Saket, 39 victims were brought to the emergency department. Medical authorities confirmed that 18 individuals were declared dead upon arrival. Fifteen patients remain in intensive care, eight of whom are on ventilator support and in critical condition. Five individuals with minor injuries were treated and discharged, while one patient with extensive burn injuries was transferred to Safdarjung Hospital for specialised care.
Doctors attending to the injured reported cases of severe smoke inhalation, minor burns, and fractures. The deceased were a mix of Indian and foreign nationals, with reports suggesting that some victims hailed from Central Asian and African countries. Officials at AIIMS Delhi stated they received 13 patients, including three who sustained injuries from falling after jumping and ten rescuers, all of whom were reportedly from the Delhi Police.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are expected to examine whether the alleged over-capacity and potential non-compliance with safety regulations contributed to the scale of the tragedy. The structure reportedly lacked an adequate escape route for such an emergency scenario.
The owner of the premises is currently absconding. Delhi police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the actions being taken against those responsible.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
