Delhi Fire Tragedy: 21 Dead After Massive Blaze Engulfs Restaurant-Cum-Guest House in Malviya Nagar
A devastating fire at a building housing a restaurant and a guest accommodation facility in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has claimed at least 21 lives, with authorities reporting that several of the deceased were foreign nationals from African countries.
Rescue teams fear the casualty count could rise further as search operations continue.
According to officials, the affected property housed the Lemon Green restaurant along with the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast establishment. The building is situated near Max Hospital in Saket, a busy area of South Delhi.
Delhi Police said many guests were inside the premises when the blaze erupted. Several occupants were reportedly asleep at the time, making evacuation difficult.
Images from the scene showed thick plumes of smoke and intense flames engulfing large sections of the structure.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal said authorities received information about the fire at Flourish Stay B&B at approximately 8:48 am.
Police personnel rushed to the location immediately and began rescue, evacuation, and emergency relief measures.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control with the help of eight fire engines.
Through a coordinated operation involving police officers, fire department personnel, and other emergency responders, more than 40 people were safely evacuated and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Officials stated that rescue and inspection efforts are still underway to ensure that no one remains trapped inside the building. Emergency teams continue to remain deployed at the site while assistance is being provided to those affected by the tragedy.
The injured have been admitted to several hospitals, including Max Hospital in Saket, the AIIMS Trauma Centre, and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital. Authorities said at least 13 victims are currently receiving treatment at AIIMS.
Preliminary findings have raised concerns about possible violations at the property.
Sources indicated that while permission had allegedly been granted for only six rooms, around 25 rooms were reportedly being used to accommodate guests.
Local MLA Satish Upadhyay visited the site soon after the incident.
He said all relevant agencies, including the Disaster Management team, district administration, police officials, and Municipal Corporation authorities, were immediately alerted to coordinate rescue and relief efforts.
Upadhyay added that the exact reason behind the fire can only be determined after a detailed investigation.
He also praised residents who joined emergency personnel in helping rescue those trapped inside the building.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured in the incident.
He also wished a speedy recovery to those undergoing treatment and said authorities were providing all possible support.
Delhi Fire Services officials said they received an emergency call regarding the blaze at the Lemon Green restaurant on Wednesday morning.
Firefighters rescued dozens of people, many of whom had been trapped in the basement and upper floors of the building.
Several victims were rushed to hospitals, but a number of them later succumbed to their injuries.
Police officials revealed that the establishment functioned both as a restaurant and a bed-and-breakfast facility.
Sources said a significant number of foreign visitors, including guests from African nations, were staying there at the time of the incident.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as smoke rapidly spread through the building.
According to sources, two women reportedly jumped from the structure in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire and whether any safety norms or building regulations were violated.
