Foreign Citizens Among 21 Dead in Deadly Delhi Blaze

At least 21 individuals have lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries following a devastating fire that engulfed a multi-story structure in New Delhi, according to police reports. Local media indicates that a significant number of the victims were international visitors from South Asian nations, many of whom had traveled to India for medical care or to accompany relatives undergoing treatment. The structure, located in the Malviya Nagar area, was reportedly functioning as a bed-and-breakfast establishment serving patients and their families attending a nearby private hospital.

Rescue teams managed to save more than 40 people, who were subsequently transported to medical facilities. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of occupants inside the building at the time the blaze started. The origin of the fire remains under investigation. While firefighters have successfully contained the flames, rescue efforts continue at the scene.

"The fire was brought under control quite early on - it was contained very quickly. We have now cleared the building and opened it up for the police," stated fire officer AK Malik.

Delhi minister Ashish Sood announced that authorities are scrutinizing whether the building held the requisite permits to operate as a lodging facility. He emphasized that individuals held accountable for any regulatory breaches would face criminal prosecution.

The tragedy prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer his sympathies and declare financial aid. The government announced a compensation package of 200,000 rupees ($2,088; £1,552) for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for those injured.

Social media footage captured dramatic images of flames erupting from the building as onlookers gathered nearby. Broadcasts from Indian news outlets revealed the exterior of the structure severely charred while emergency personnel scoured the site. Witnesses reported that the fire expanded with alarming speed, trapping occupants on higher levels. Before professional responders arrived, bystanders assisted some in escaping.

Wasim Raj, a witness, told ANI news agency, "The fire broke out at about 08:50... we rushed to the spot to see that the entire building was on fire. There is a mattress shop at the corner from where we took out mattresses and laid them on the road." He continued, "People started to jump out of the building from the second and third floors. The fire-fighting team had reached the spot immediately and started rescue work."

Sher Khan, a nearby resident, recounted the chaos as trapped individuals on upper floors called for assistance. "As the fire intensified, it seemed as if there was no way to jump from here. People spread mattresses, and some from the third floor jumped out with a little kid... She was saying that she fractured her leg," he described.

Another local, Israr Khan, informed reporters, "all of us have been here since morning. We rescued a child who jumped from the higher floor."

Local lawmaker Satish Upadhyay confirmed that several occupants were from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries, having come to Delhi specifically for healthcare.

Fire incidents are a recurring issue in India, where the enforcement of building safety regulations is frequently inadequate. From factories and educational centers to hospitals and leisure venues, many of the capital's most fatal fires have highlighted a significant disconnect between statutory safety requirements and their actual implementation. Previous probes have consistently cited inadequate inspections, defective electrical infrastructure, and structures being used in ways that exceed their approved designations.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 09:19:37 UTC