While police officials believe the death toll may rise, at least 18 foreign nationals have been confirmed killed in the fire.
At least 21 people were killed and many injured after a massive fire broke out at a bed and breakfast hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, prompted the Delhi government to take action as the capital reels from the disaster.
While police officials believe the death toll may rise, it has been confirmed that at least 18 foreign nationals were killed in the fire on Wednesday morning.
In the wake of the fire, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi ordered a month-long drive to check fire safety compliance in hotels and other buildings across the capital.
delhi fire | What we know so far
- Foreign citizens among 21 dead: At least 18 foreign nationals were killed in Wednesday’s fire. According to people familiar with the matter, the victims were citizens of African countries, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and others. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is in contact with the relevant embassies and is providing assistance.
- Hotel under scanner: The hotel that caught fire on Wednesday, Flourish Stay BnB, reportedly did not have any fire safety permit. According to a PTI report, the building originally had a ground floor and a bungalow, when there was no need for fire clearance. However, after six to seven years, more floors were constructed without informing the relevant authorities. Moreover, the officials also said that the BnB was given permission for only six rooms under the government policy, but was managing 24 rooms.
Read also | ‘No ventilation’ in column-like building, terrifying escape video: 5 shocking details in Delhi Malviya Nagar fire
- The FIR submitted: The police registered an FIR on charges of murder and other related provisions in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with the fire. Moreover, PTI reported that a manhunt is underway for the hotel and its license holder. According to investigators, the owner of the building was identified as Lavkesh Bajaj and the tourism department license was issued in the name of Jay Mishra.
- Delhi LG requires fire safety checks: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Wednesday ordered a month-long trip to check fire safety compliance in all hotels, nursing homes, coaching institutes, restaurants and other vulnerable commercial establishments in the capital. Sandhu also chaired a meeting with concerned departments and directed officials to start the drive from June 4 to check strict compliance with fire safety norms.
- Delhi Home Minister calls for BnB checks: Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood also ordered a city-wide enforcement drive on B&B establishments across Delhi. On the orders of the Minister, Delhi Fire Services and Power Department have been asked to immediately conduct a comprehensive physical check of all registered and suspected B&B establishments.
- The Justice and Development Party criticizes the government over the incident: The opposition Aam Aadmi Party criticized the BJP government over the fire. Arvind Kejriwal, national coordinator of the Aam Aadmi Party, said, “The repeated incidents of fires in Delhi and the killing of innocent people is very disturbing,” while praying for “the souls of those who lost their lives.”
- Delhi Chief Minister pledges action: While Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the situation is under “monitoring”, he promised action on the Malviya Nagar fire. The Prime Minister also called for a report from the South Delhi District Magistrate on the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy.
