A devastating fire at a bed and breakfast in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area has claimed 21 lives, prompting a crackdown on properties violating fire safety norms. The blaze erupted in the basement restaurant of the Flourish Stay hotel and rapidly spread through five floors, trapping guests. At least 12 foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia, who were in India for medical treatment, were among the dead. Survivors were seen jumping from upper floors onto mattresses laid by locals.
Owner Detained for Gross Negligence
The hotel owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, has been detained by police. Investigations revealed that the building operated 26 rooms—more than four times the permissible limit—and lacked a no-objection certificate from the fire department. The structure had a single entry and exit point, exacerbating the tragedy. Bajaj claimed he had delegated management to another person, but authorities are pursuing the case.
Emergency Response Under Scrutiny
Locals and opposition leaders criticized the fire department's slow response, alleging that fire tenders arrived nearly an hour after the blaze started, despite the station being minutes away. The fire department refuted claims, stating seven vehicles were dispatched promptly. Former local lawmaker Somnath Bharti said more lives could have been saved with a faster response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, and the Delhi government announced compensation of Rs1 million for each victim's family. The fire is the worst in the capital since 2022, when 27 workers died in an electronics unit fire.
