NEW DELHI: A devastating fire at a restaurant and lodging facility in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area claimed at least 21 lives on Wednesday, while dozens of others suffered injuries, many of them severe. Authorities suspect that a cylinder explosion may have triggered the blaze, though investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause.
The tragic incident unfolded early in the morning, prompting a massive emergency response involving firefighters, police personnel, disaster management teams, and medical services. Thick smoke and intense flames quickly engulfed the building, trapping occupants and creating panic among those inside.
According to officials, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a distress call shortly after the fire broke out and immediately dispatched multiple firefighting units. The response included water tenders, water bowsers, a quick-response vehicle, and specialized rescue equipment. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours while simultaneously carrying out rescue operations.
Officials confirmed that three individuals were rescued from the basement area of the Lemon Green Restaurant. They were rushed to nearby hospitals in CATS ambulances for medical treatment. The condition of the rescued victims was not immediately disclosed.
Health authorities reported that a large number of injured victims were taken to hospitals across the city. Max Hospital in Saket received 39 patients connected to the incident. Hospital officials stated that 18 people were brought dead, while 15 others were admitted to intensive care units. Eight of those admitted are currently on ventilator support and remain in critical condition.
Five patients with relatively minor injuries were treated and discharged after receiving primary medical care. Another patient suffering from extensive burns was transferred to Safdarjung Hospital for advanced treatment. Hospital authorities also revealed that the deceased included both Indian and foreign nationals.
A preliminary assessment from medical officials suggested that a cylinder blast could have ignited the deadly fire. However, authorities have emphasized that a detailed investigation is necessary before reaching any final conclusions.
The tragedy also affected members of the emergency response teams. Ten police personnel who participated in rescue efforts sustained burn injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at the burns department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. Medical sources described their condition as critical. Additionally, three other patients remain under treatment at the same facility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Families of those who lost their lives will receive an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh each, while those injured in the incident will be provided ₹50,000.
President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her sorrow over the tragedy, describing the loss of life as deeply distressing. She offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the state government is closely monitoring the situation. She praised the swift response of the Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and ambulance services, noting that their prompt action helped save several lives.
The fire also highlighted the courage of local residents who rushed to assist before emergency teams arrived. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people trapped inside desperately searched for ways to escape.
Residents reported hearing loud explosion-like sounds moments before the fire spread rapidly through the structure. Anita Chaudhary, who lives nearby, recalled hearing multiple blasts followed by cries for help. According to her, several people attempted to escape through windows while neighbors hurried to assist.
Another local resident, Sanjay Goyal, said people gathered blankets and quilts to cushion those trying to jump from higher floors. Community members also broke glass windows to create emergency escape routes for trapped occupants. Their efforts helped rescue several individuals before professional responders reached the scene.
Eyewitnesses described thick black smoke billowing from the building, reducing visibility and making rescue operations extremely difficult. Despite the danger, local residents continued assisting victims until firefighters and police took control of the situation.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, focusing on fire safety measures, the building’s compliance with regulations, and the possible role of cooking gas cylinders in the disaster. Forensic experts and fire department officials are expected to conduct a detailed examination of the site.
The Malviya Nagar fire is among the deadliest fire incidents reported in Delhi in recent years and has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in commercial establishments and lodging facilities. Officials have assured that responsibility will be fixed if negligence is found during the investigation.
As rescue and relief operations continue, the city mourns the loss of lives while hospitals work around the clock to treat the injured, many of whom remain in critical condition.
