Deadly Hotel Fire in New Delhi Claims 21 Lives

In New Delhi on Wednesday morning, a devastating fire engulfed the Flourish Inn Stay hotel, claiming at least 21 lives, according to police reports. The fire erupted around 8:50 a.m. local time in the hotel’s ground floor restaurant, located in the Malviya Nagar neighborhood. It rapidly spread to the upper floors where many guests were still asleep.

Eyewitness videos captured the harrowing moments when individuals leapt from the five-story building to escape the encroaching flames and smoke. Vasim Raja, a local resident and early responder, recounted, “I saw at least two people jumping out from the windows.” He helped rescue seven people from the basement before firefighting teams arrived.

Authorities confirmed that 47 individuals were present in the hotel during the incident. Among the deceased, 17 were foreign nationals from African and central Asian countries. The hotel is frequently chosen by patients visiting the nearby Max Hospital Saket for medical treatment.

Max Hospital reported treating 15 injured individuals in its intensive care units. India’s affordable healthcare system attracts patients from various regions, including Africa, central Asia, and the Persian Gulf.

The Delhi Police have filed a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against unknown persons, initiating a full investigation. Preliminary findings indicated the hotel lacked a valid fire safety certificate. Although the exact cause of the blaze remains undetermined, reports suggest a possible electrical short circuit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,020) for the families of those who died and 50,000 rupees ($520) for the injured. Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, expressed sorrow over this “heartbreaking tragedy” and extended condolences to the affected families.