At least 21 people, including 18 foreign nationals, have died after a major fire swept through a hotel building in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, in a major fire tragedy in the Indian capital.
According to Delhi Police and emergency officials, the blaze broke out during the morning in a multi-storey building housing a restaurant on the lower level and accommodation facilities above. The fire spread rapidly through the structure, trapping many occupants on the upper floors.
Authorities said more than 40 people were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several of the injured remain in critical condition. Firefighters deployed multiple fire engines and rescue teams to bring the blaze under control after hours of firefighting efforts.
According to local media reports the victims include foreign nationals from countries including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Somalia, Afghanistan and Liberia. Investigators are continuing efforts to formally identify all those who lost their lives and notify their families through diplomatic channels.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as thick smoke engulfed the building. Some occupants reportedly attempted to escape through windows, while local residents rushed to assist rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said authorities were providing assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have originated in a restaurant operating on the lower levels of the building, although officials have not yet confirmed the exact source. Forensic teams have been deployed to examine the site.
Police have registered a case, and authorities have launched inquiries into whether fire safety regulations and building compliance requirements were adequately followed. Questions are also being raised about occupancy levels and emergency evacuation arrangements within the premises.
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