New Delhi: A devastating fire that swept through a building housing a restaurant and guest accommodation in South Delhi has claimed at least 21 lives and left several others critically injured, authorities said on Wednesday.
The fire broke out early in the morning in the Malviya Nagar area, triggering panic among guests and workers inside the building. Thick smoke rapidly spread through the structure, trapping many people on the upper floors and forcing some to make desperate attempts to escape.
According to officials, more than 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several of the injured remain in critical condition. Emergency teams continued rescue and recovery efforts for hours after the blaze erupted.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people shouted for help from windows while firefighters rushed to the scene. Some individuals were forced to jump from the building to escape the flames and smoke. Local residents joined rescue efforts by bringing mattresses from nearby shops and placing them on the ground to help cushion those who jumped from upper floors.
One survivor was a woman carrying a child who reportedly leaped from the building and landed safely on the mattresses arranged by residents. The incident highlighted the quick response of ordinary citizens who stepped in to help before emergency crews could reach everyone trapped inside.
Delhi Fire Services said multiple fire engines were dispatched shortly after receiving an emergency call. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. Police officers, medical teams and disaster response personnel also took part in the rescue operation.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire may have started in the restaurant located on the ground floor. However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the blaze. A detailed investigation has been launched to determine how the fire started and whether all required safety measures were in place.
Authorities are also expected to examine the building's fire safety systems, emergency exits and compliance with local regulations. The tragedy has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in crowded commercial and residential buildings in India's major cities.
Among those affected were reportedly several foreign nationals who had travelled to Delhi for medical treatment. Officials are working to identify all victims and inform their families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. He also wished a speedy recovery to those receiving treatment in hospitals. The Prime Minister's Office announced financial assistance of 200,000 rupees for the families of the deceased.
As investigators continue their work, grieving families are mourning the loss of loved ones while many survivors remain under medical care. The incident stands as one of the deadliest fire disasters to hit the Indian capital in recent years and has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations across the country.