At least 21 people died in a fire at a hotel in India’s capital city, New Delhi, on Wednesday morning, according to police reports. The fire began at about 8:50 a.m. local time in the ground floor restaurant of the Flourish Inn Stay hotel, located in the Malviya Nagar area of southern Delhi. It spread rapidly to the upper floors, where many were still sleeping.
Videos captured the distressing moments as some individuals leaped from the upper floors of the five-story building to escape the smoke and flames. Vasim Raja, a local resident and one of the first to arrive at the site, told CBS News, “I saw at least two people jumping out from the windows.” Raja also mentioned that before rescuers arrived, he and others helped seven people escape from the basement.
Authorities confirmed that 47 people were inside the hotel during the fire. The tragic incident claimed the lives of at least 21 individuals, including 17 foreign nationals from African and central Asian countries. Many guests at the hotel were reportedly visitors seeking treatment at the nearby Max Hospital Saket, which is a leading healthcare facility. The hospital received 18 deceased victims and treated 15 others for various injuries in its intensive care units.
India has become a key player in the medical tourism industry, attracting patients from regions including Africa, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf due to its quality yet affordable healthcare services. Following the fire, Delhi Police filed a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against unidentified persons and are conducting an ongoing investigation.
Preliminary findings from the fire department revealed that the hotel lacked a valid fire safety certificate. Although the precise cause of the fire remains unknown, there are indications it might have originated from an electrical short circuit.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance, promising state “relief” payments of 200,000 Indian rupees, approximately $2,020, for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees, around $520, for those injured. Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, expressed deep sympathy, calling the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy” and offering condolences to the victims and their families.
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