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The fire exposed serious regulatory lapses, with the establishment allegedly operating far beyond its permitted capacity and flouting safety norms.
Security and health officials at the site after a fire broke out in a restaurant in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, Wednesday. (Source: PTI)
A massive fire broke out at a bed and breakfast facility in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday, claiming 21 lives. Most of the deceased were foreign nationals from Central Asia and Africa.
More than 40 people were rescued and rushed to hospitals, while the injured remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll may rise further.
According to officials, the fire broke out at the Flourish Stay B&B in the Hauz Rani area around 8.45 am, initially reported at a nearby eatery but later confirmed by police to be the B&B in the congested locality.
The fire exposed serious regulatory lapses, with the establishment allegedly operating far beyond its permitted capacity and flouting safety norms.
Illegal Rooms, License Of B&B: Serious Lapses Found At Hotel
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings suggest that many victims died due to suffocation, particularly those trapped in the basement area. According to India Today, illegal rooms were operating from the basement, raising concerns over gross violations of fire safety and building norms.
Investigations have further revealed that the property was permitted under the Bed & Breakfast category for only six rooms but was allegedly operating nearly 25 rooms, far exceeding its licensed capacity, as per India Today.
According to the sources, the eatery operating on the premises was also reportedly licensed under the B&B concept but was functioning beyond approved limits.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire is believed to have started on the first floor of the building, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
‘Only One Common Entry & Exit Point’
According to the Delhi Police sources, the hotel had only one common entry and exit point.
The police will register a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with cases under other relevant sections of the law.
An investigation is underway to determine whether the hotel had the required fire safety equipment, whether it had obtained a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), and whether the Fire NOC had been renewed as required.
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