Twenty-one people were killed and several injured on Wednesday when a massive fire broke out in a restaurant in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar, officials said.
More than 40 people were rescued and rushed to hospital where 21 were declared brought dead. There are fears that the death toll might rise further as several of those injured are critical. Many of those killed are foreigners.
Multiple fire tenders were rushed to control the blaze around 8.50 am.
They were shifted to a hospital by CATS ambulances for medical treatment. Their condition was not immediately known.
Located in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, the hotel had a restaurant in its basement and used to house foreign nationals.
Earlier in the day, officials said the fire started in Lemon Green Restaurant at 8.45 am. Police later clarified that the blaze was actually at the Flourish Stay B&B.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire incident in Malviya Nagar here and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
"The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected," Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister said an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday also expressed his deep sorrow in a post on X.
"My heart is deeply grieved by the fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations. My condolences are with those who have lost their loved ones in this heart-wrenching tragedy," he said.
AAP leader Somnath Bharti, says, "Overall, the situation has been extremely tragic and horrific. Some people are still trapped in the upper rooms. This building was operating as a hotel, it was previously a Khadi Gram building."
"The most unfortunate part is that the fire brigade reached the spot nearly an hour later, at least 50 minutes after the incident was reported," the AAP leader said.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the devastating fire in a post on X(formerly Twitter)
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength & courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Immediately upon receiving information about the incident, teams of Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency response agencies were mobilised and launched rescue and relief operations," she said.
"In this hour of grief, Delhi Government stands firmly with the affected families. We remain committed to providing every possible support to those impacted by this tragedy," Gupta said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in the fire incident in Malviya Nagar here and urged the state government to provide adequate and timely compensation, including prompt medical care to those injured.
At least 21 people were killed on Wednesday when a massive fire broke out in a restaurant in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar, officials said.
Three people were rescued from the basement of the Lemon Green Restaurant, an official of the Delhi Fire Service said.
In a post on X, Kharge said, "Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured."
The state government authorities should provide adequate and timely compensation, including prompt medical care to the victims, Kharge said.
"I urge Congress workers to extend every possible help and support to the victims in this difficult time," the Congress chief said.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Further details are awaited.