A devastating fire swept through a hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 21 people, many of whom were foreign nationals, according to police and local media reports.
Fire Erupts at Flourish Stay Bed-and-Breakfast
The blaze broke out in the morning at Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast located in a congested neighborhood in southern New Delhi, Delhi Police stated. Indian television channels broadcasted images of flames leaping from the building and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Desperate individuals trapped on upper floors were seen jumping onto mattresses that had been hastily laid out below by residents.
Foreign Victims and Medical Tourism
Several of the deceased were foreigners, primarily from Central Asia and Africa, as reported by the Press Trust of India, citing unnamed officials. Many had traveled to the Indian capital for medical treatment, local media outlets noted. India's foreign ministry confirmed it was in contact with the relevant embassies and was providing all necessary assistance. Junior Foreign Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh stated on X that the ministry remained in close touch with the concerned embassies.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Authorities reported that over 40 people were taken to hospitals for treatment, with eight in critical condition, according to a nearby hospital's statement. A total of 47 guests were present in the hotel when the fire started, local lawmaker Satish Upadhyay informed reporters. Residents rushed to the scene as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and ambulances transported the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the deaths tragic.
Safety Concerns and Investigation
Some reports indicated that the hotel had only one door for entry and exit and lacked proper ventilation. Upadhyay stated that an inquiry would be conducted, and anyone found violating norms would be immediately arrested. Eyewitnesses described how people trapped on upper floors jumped onto mattresses placed on the street. Local resident Mohammad Anees told AFP that mattresses were obtained from a nearby bedding shop to facilitate rescues, and five women jumped safely onto them.
The fire was eventually brought under control with the aid of eight fire engines. The cause of the blaze, one of the deadliest in the Indian capital in recent years, remains unclear. Electrical short circuits, often due to poorly maintained wiring, are a leading cause of fires in India. In March, a fire at a government-run hospital in eastern India killed 10 critically ill patients. The last major fire incident in Delhi occurred in 2019, killing 43 factory workers sleeping in a building in the city's old quarter.
