A devastating fire swept through the Lemon Green Restaurant and an adjacent hotel in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, on Wednesday morning, claiming at least 21 lives and leaving dozens injured. The blaze erupted around 9:45 am local time, trapping many inside the establishment. Emergency services rushed to the scene, rescuing approximately 40 individuals, several of whom were hospitalised with severe burns.
Investigation Underway
The fire is believed to have originated in the restaurant, though the precise cause remains under investigation by local authorities. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the building had adequate safety measures in place.
Victims Include Foreign Nationals
According to local reports, some of the victims were foreign nationals. A former lawmaker suggested that the majority of the deceased were from South Africa, though this has not been officially verified. The incident has drawn widespread attention to fire safety standards in commercial establishments across the capital.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced financial assistance of Rs 200,000 (approximately £1,550) for the next of kin of each deceased. He also assured that the injured would receive all necessary medical support.
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in Delhi's hospitality sector. Investigations are ongoing to determine liability and prevent future incidents.
