New Delhi – A tragic fire engulfed a hotel in the capital of India on Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 individuals, according to police reports.
The blaze ignited around 8:50 a.m. local time in the restaurant located on the ground floor of the Flourish Inn Stay hotel, situated in the Malviya Nagar area of southern Delhi. The flames rapidly spread to the upper floors, where many guests were still asleep in their rooms.
Videos captured by bystanders showed some individuals leaping from the upper levels of the five-story establishment in a desperate attempt to escape the smoke and fire.
“I witnessed at least two people jumping out of the windows,” stated local resident Vasim Raja, who arrived at the scene early. “Rescue teams took some time to arrive, but we managed to help seven individuals escape from the basement before they got there.”
Authorities confirmed that 47 people were present in the hotel at the time of the incident, with at least 21 confirmed fatalities, including 17 foreign nationals from various countries in Africa and Central Asia.
The hotel is frequently visited by medical tourists seeking treatment at Max Hospital Saket, a prominent healthcare institution located just a short distance away. The hospital reported that it received 18 victims who perished in the fire, while 15 others were treated for various injuries in its intensive care units.
India’s reputation for high-quality, cost-effective healthcare has established it as a significant destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from Africa, Central Asia, the Persian Gulf, and beyond.
The Delhi Police have initiated a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against unidentified individuals regarding the fire, and an investigation is currently underway.
An initial assessment by the fire department revealed that the hotel lacked a valid fire safety certificate.
Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined, although preliminary reports suggest it may have originated from an electrical short circuit.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation payments of 200,000 Indian rupees (approximately $2,020) for the families of those who lost their lives, and 50,000 rupees (around $520) for the injured.
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, described the event as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and extended her condolences to the victims and their families.
