At least 21 people have died after a devastating fire tore through a hotel in New Delhi, one of the deadliest fire incidents to hit India’s capital in recent years.
The blaze broke out Wednesday morning at Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast located in a densely populated area of south Delhi.
Authorities said rescue teams worked for hours to evacuate guests and bring the fire under control.
Delhi Police confirmed that 21 people lost their lives in the tragedy, while more than 40 others were taken to hospitals for treatment. Several victims remained in critical condition.
Television footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the building as flames engulfed parts of the structure. Firefighters battled the blaze while ambulances rushed injured victims to nearby medical facilities.
According to local lawmaker Satish Upadhyay, about 47 guests were staying at the hotel when the fire erupted.
Reports indicate that some trapped occupants attempted desperate escapes by jumping from upper floors onto mattresses spread out by residents below.
“People started jumping from the second and third floors,” a witness told local media.
Several of the victims were reportedly visitors from African countries who had travelled to New Delhi for medical treatment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as tragic and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones.
Questions have already emerged over the hotel’s safety standards. Some reports suggest the building had only a single entry and exit point and lacked adequate ventilation, factors that may have complicated evacuation efforts.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and whether safety regulations were violated.
“Anyone found responsible for breaking safety norms will be arrested immediately,” Upadhyay said.
While the exact cause remains unknown, electrical faults caused by poorly maintained wiring are among the most common triggers of fire outbreaks in India.
The blaze was eventually brought under control with the help of eight fire engines, but rescue teams continued searching the site to ensure no one remained trapped.
The tragedy adds to a long list of deadly fire incidents in India, where concerns over building safety and enforcement of regulations continue to persist.
