At least 21 people were killed and about 37 others were rescued after a fire broke out at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday. Out of the 21, who died, nine were Indians, while 12 were foreigners, mostly from Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Bangladesh- who had travelled to India for medical treatment or to accompany relatives undergoing care, local media reported.
The fire broke out around 9 in the morning in the restaurant of the Flourish Stay hotel, which was reportedly located in the basement of the five-storey building. The fire later spread to the adjacent Micasa Inn hotel.
It remains unclear how many were inside the building when the fire broke out. Its cause is not yet known.
After the distress call was received, two water bowsers, a quick-response vehicle and other firefighting units were sent, said an official.
Videos circulating on social media shows people jumping from the burning building to save their lives. Mattresses were spread on the ground to cushion the fall of people.
The hotel was granted a license under bed and breakfast concept, in which only six rooms were allowed. However, the hotel was reportedly operating 25 rooms, including rooms in the basement. There was only one entry and exit point in the hotel. This allowed the fire to spreaed quickly.
“It was a five-story building. People were residing in the basement as well. The basement was secured with a shutter. Firefighters had to cut through the shutter to gain entry, where six people were found inside, said AK Malik, Chief Fire Officer”, Delhi Fire Service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and announced Rs 2 lakh aid for the families of the victims. He also said that injured would be given Rs 50,000.
