At least 18 foreign nationals among 21 killed in New Delhi hotel fire

New Delhi (Web Desk): A deadly fire broke out in a hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, claiming at least 21 lives, including 18 foreign nationals, according to Indian police and international media reports.

The incident is being counted among the most serious fire tragedies in the capital since 2022.

The victims reportedly included citizens from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia, as stated by the broadcaster. However, Reuters said it was unable to independently confirm the identities or nationalities of those who died.

Police said the blaze started in the morning at Flourish Stay, a small bed-and-breakfast located in a crowded residential area of South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. In an official statement, Delhi Police confirmed the scale of the tragedy, saying, “It is with profound sorrow that 21 persons have been declared dead in this tragic incident.”

Witnesses described chaotic and terrifying scenes as the fire spread rapidly through the building. Several occupants, trapped inside, attempted to escape by jumping from upper floors.

Locals nearby rushed to help by collecting mattresses from a nearby shop and placing them on the ground to reduce the impact of the falls.

One eyewitness, Sher Khan, said a woman jumped from the third floor carrying a small child, landing on the mattresses arranged by residents.

Television coverage also showed people leaping from smoke-filled upper floors as flames engulfed the structure, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the building. Residents involved in rescue efforts said the fire initially broke out on the lower levels, which quickly blocked escape routes and trapped those on the floors above.

Another local resident, Wasim Raja, told news agency ANI that people hurried to bring mattresses from a nearby shop and spread them on the road to help those escaping the burning building.

Authorities said more than 40 injured individuals were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, while emergency teams continued search and rescue operations. Eight fire engines were deployed to the site, and firefighters eventually managed to bring the blaze under control.

Officials added that multiple agencies remained present at the location to provide assistance and manage relief efforts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “tragic” and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. However, electrical short circuits caused by poorly maintained wiring are widely recognized as a common cause of fires in India.

In a similar incident in March, a fire at a government hospital in eastern India resulted in the deaths of at least 10 critically ill patients.