NEW DELHI: At least 21 people, including 12 foreign nationals, were killed after a fire erupted at a hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, with police citing the tragic incident as the city’s deadliest since 2022.
Foreign Victims Identified
Authorities did not immediately confirm the nationalities of the foreign victims. According to local media reports, the foreign nationals may include citizens from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique and Liberia. However, reports have yet to confirm, Reuters cited.
Eyewitness Accounts
Individuals who witnessed the incident said several people jumped from the burning building to escape the flames, while locals rushed to help by placing mattresses on the ground to reduce the impact of falls. “People spread mattresses, and a woman from the third floor jumped on it with a little kid,” said witness Sher Khan.
Television footage showed people jumping from upper floors as the four-storey building was engulfed in flames and thick smoke. Local residents said the fire began on the ground and first floors, trapping those on higher levels. Wasim Raja, a resident who helped in rescue efforts, said mattresses were brought from a nearby shop to assist those jumping from windows.
Fire Extinguished, Casualties Update
The fire broke out shortly before 9 am (local time), and eight fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, police said. The fire was extinguished around midday. Officials said 49 people were taken to hospitals, while eight were discharged after treatment. Two patients remain in critical condition at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), according to hospital authorities.
Possible Cause
Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have started in a restaurant operating on the ground floor, said local official Jitendra Kumar. An investigation into the exact cause of the fire is underway. Authorities have announced compensation for the families of the deceased and injured. The incident has raised renewed concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial and residential buildings across the capital. Local officials have promised a thorough inquiry and stricter enforcement of building codes to prevent future tragedies. The city’s last major fire occurred in 2022, which also claimed multiple lives. The foreign ministry has been in contact with diplomatic missions to provide assistance and information regarding the deceased foreign nationals. Rescue operations concluded shortly after the fire was brought under control. The hotel building has been sealed for further investigation. Police have registered a case of negligence against unknown persons. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents demanding improved emergency response systems. The government has ordered a safety audit of all hotels and restaurants in the area. Meanwhile, the injured continue to receive medical care, with doctors reporting that some remain in serious condition. The city’s fire department has defended its response time but acknowledged that narrow streets and crowded conditions hampered rescue efforts. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of urban safety in India’s rapidly growing cities. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with investigators. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. The national capital has witnessed several high-profile fire incidents in recent years, prompting repeated calls for reform. However, implementation of safety measures has often lagged behind. Wednesday’s tragedy may serve as a fresh catalyst for change. The government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and promised full support. The foreign ministry is coordinating with embassies to repatriate the bodies of foreign nationals. The hotel owner and manager are being questioned by police. Preliminary reports suggest the building lacked adequate fire exits and smoke detectors. If confirmed, negligence charges could be upgraded. The local municipality has come under scrutiny for allegedly granting occupancy certificates without proper safety checks. The opposition has demanded a high-level inquiry. The ruling party has expressed deep sorrow and pledged action. The incident has dominated headlines across India, with citizens expressing grief and anger on social media. Many have called for a nationwide safety audit of all commercial buildings. The tragedy also highlights the vulnerability of foreign travelers in such incidents. Several embassies have issued safety advisories to their citizens. The government has promised to implement stricter fire safety norms. The fire department has also announced plans to conduct mock drills in high-risk areas. The path to prevention lies in learning from such tragedies. The government has vowed to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The nation mourns the loss of 21 innocent lives. The investigation will determine whether criminal negligence played a role. The focus now shifts to ensuring such a tragedy never happens again. The government has announced an ex-gratia payment for the families of the deceased. The injured will receive free medical treatment. The city’s hospitals were placed on high alert following the incident. The quick response of local residents saved several lives. Their bravery has been widely praised.
