21 Killed in Massive Hotel Fire in South Delhi

• At least 21 people killed in fire at hotel in Malviya Nagar
• More than 40 guests rescued, including foreign nationals
• Fire spread from Flourish Stay to adjacent Micasa Inn
• Authorities probing alleged safety violations and fire clearance status

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd June: At least 21 people, including foreign nationals, were killed and more than 40 others rescued after a devastating fire broke out at a hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Tuesday morning.

The fire erupted around 8:50 am in the restaurant area of Flourish Stay hotel, reportedly located in the basement of the five-storey building in Hauz Rani. The blaze later spread to the adjacent Micasa Inn, triggering a massive rescue operation.

Officials said multiple firefighting units, including two fire engines, two water bowsers and a quick-response vehicle, were rushed to the spot after a distress call was received from the densely populated locality.

Visuals from the scene showed flames engulfing the building as trapped guests attempted desperate escapes. Several people were seen jumping from upper floors after local residents spread mattresses on the ground to cushion their fall.

“I saw four to six people breaking the glass and jumping from the building to escape the fire. One person’s leg appeared to have been broken after the fall,” an eyewitness said.

The hotel reportedly had around 25 rooms and was accommodating more than 40 guests at the time of the incident, including several foreign nationals who had come to Delhi for medical treatment. Most guests were reportedly asleep when the fire broke out.

Firefighters, police personnel and emergency response teams launched an extensive rescue operation and evacuated dozens of occupants from the affected buildings.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze and possible safety violations.

Sources indicated that Flourish Stay had allegedly been granted permission under a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) category, under which only six rooms were permitted. However, the establishment was reportedly operating about 25 rooms, including accommodations in the basement.

Officials are also verifying whether the hotel possessed a valid fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Preliminary reports suggest the hotel had only a single entry and exit point, which may have hampered evacuation efforts.

Kesar Singh, a chef employed at Micasa Inn, said he noticed flames while attempting to switch on an electric stove.

“I immediately alerted my assistant that the hotel was on fire. When I stepped outside, I saw that the entire hotel was engulfed in flames. I somehow managed to escape,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims.

“The loss of lives in the fire incident is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X.

Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also expressed condolences and said all government agencies were mobilised immediately after the incident.

“Immediately upon receiving information, teams of Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency agencies launched rescue and relief operations. Their swift response helped rescue and evacuate several persons,” Gupta said.

She added that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary medical assistance and support to affected families.

Authorities said a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify any lapses in safety compliance.