Last Updated:
Many of those killed were from Central Asian and African countries and had been staying at the hotel while attending to relatives undergoing treatment at Max Hospital.
The fire broke out in Hauz Rani, an urban village nestled between the residential neighbourhoods of Malviya Nagar and Saket. (Photos: PTI)
Delhi Hotel Fire: At least 21 people, including 12 foreign nationals, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in a congested lane of south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, making it one of the deadliest fire tragedies in the capital in recent years.
Officials said at least 58 people were rescued from the building and rushed to nearby hospitals. Of them, 21 were declared dead. The victims include nine Indians, eight of whom belonged to an extended family.
Several of the injured remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
Also Read | ‘Roof Was Locked, Many Could Have Lived’: Eyewitness Recounts Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire Horror
Many of those killed were from Central Asian and African countries and had been staying at the hotel while attending to relatives undergoing treatment at Max Hospital, located a short distance away.
The fire broke out in Hauz Rani, an urban village nestled between the residential neighbourhoods of Malviya Nagar and Saket. The area is located close to major shopping complexes, private hospitals and the Saket court complex.
The tragedy is the third major fire incident in Delhi this year. Nine people were killed in a fire in Vivek Vihar last month, while another nine lost their lives in a blaze in Palam in March.
Delhi’s deadliest fire disaster remains the 1997 Uphaar Cinema tragedywhich claimed 59 lives and triggered a nationwide debate on fire safety norms and emergency preparedness.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the latest fire and are examining whether lapses in safety measures contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
Delhi Fire Tragedy: Top Points
- At least 21 people, including 12 foreign nationals, were killed in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire. More than 58 people were rescued and rushed to hospitals. Several remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could climb further.
- The fire broke out around 8.30 am and rapidly engulfed the five-storey building, which officials described as a “death trap” due to serious safety violations.
- According to fire officials, the building had only one entry-exit point, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door, severely hampering evacuation efforts.
- The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Investigators are examining whether electrical faults or other factors triggered the blaze.
- Police said the hotel had permission for only six rooms under the Delhi government’s bed-and-breakfast policy, but was allegedly operating 25 rooms. Additional rooms had also been constructed in the basement.
- Authorities found that the building had expanded vertically over the years without mandatory approvals. Officials said the structure exceeded the height threshold requiring a fire safety clearance but was operating without a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj has been arrested. Police had earlier issued a lookout circular against Bajaj and his wife and are investigating the role of other partners involved in operating the property.
- An FIR has been registered under charges including culpable homicide. Authorities have also launched a wider probe into possible building, licensing and fire safety violations.
- Delhi Chief Minister’s Office said the lapses that culminated in the tragic fire at a guest house in Malviya Nagar will be examined with utmost seriousness, and accountability will be fixed wherever it lies.
- A Magisterial Inquiry has been ordered and an FIR has been registered against the owner of the property. Those responsible for this tragedy will be held accountable, the CMO said.
- A city-wide crackdown will be launched against illegal properties, unauthorised guest houses and establishments operating in violation of fire safety norms and building by-laws. Such premises will be sealed and prosecuted in accordance with the law, as per the CMO.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
