A profound tragedy has struck a Gurugram-based family, with eight members losing their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area. The family had traveled to Delhi to be with an ailing patriarch undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
According to reports, the fire broke out on Wednesday morning at the Flourish Stay B&B. Among the deceased were 48-year-old Vivek Aggarwal, his wife Tarjini, their two daughters, Vivek’s mother, and three other relatives. The family was staying at the hotel to remain close to Vivek’s father, Radhe Shyam Aggarwal, who is in his 80s and receiving treatment for a lung ailment at Max Hospital in Saket. The loss has left relatives and the local community in Gurugram in a state of shock and grief.
The devastating blaze claimed a total of 21 lives, including 12 foreign nationals. Numerous other individuals were injured and received treatment at various hospitals. Initial investigations into the incident suggest significant fire-safety lapses within the building. Eyewitnesses and residents have alleged issues such as sealed windows, a single staircase, and restricted escape routes, which may have contributed to the high casualty count.
The fire reportedly started around 8:50 AM and spread rapidly through the multi-storey building. Firefighting teams were dispatched promptly, but some residents claimed a delay in their arrival. The Delhi Fire Service, however, denied any delays in their response, stating that units were rushed to the scene immediately after receiving the call. Rescue operations were conducted by firefighters, police, and local residents, with many people saved by jumping from the building or being assisted by neighbors.
The Aggarwal family, residents of Sector 46 in Gurugram, had checked into the Flourish Stay B&B to provide support and care for Radheshyam Aggarwal. Tragically, the decision to stay nearby became fatal as the fire rapidly consumed the building. The family’s trip, intended to offer comfort during a difficult time, turned into an unimaginable tragedy, wiping out multiple generations of the family in a single incident.
The incident has prompted calls for stringent action against illegal constructions and fire safety violations. Relatives have demanded thorough investigations and accountability for the lapses that led to the loss of so many lives. The abandoned Mercedes car that brought the family from Gurugram to Delhi now serves as a poignant reminder of the trip that ended in such profound sorrow.
The Chenab Times News Desk