A fire broke out at a restaurant in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, triggering a massive rescue operation by Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police said. 21 people have died so far in the fire accident.
People trapped on the upper floors of the building jumped on mattresses placed by local residents when a massive fire engulfed the restaurant operating on the ground floor, said Jitendra Kumar, southern zone officer of SDM and DDMA.
Follow latest updates from Delhi Malviya Nagar fire news
Kumar said that emergency teams were mobilized immediately after receiving information about the accident. Rescue workers evacuated a number of the building’s occupants, while local residents helped by placing mattresses on the road to help those trying to escape from the upper floors.
“We activated the DDMA cell as soon as we received a call. We learned that a restaurant was operating on the ground floor of this building. The cause of the fire is still unknown… 7 to 8 people, including the injured, were taken to the hospital for treatment. Some people jumped from the above floors of the building onto the mattresses placed by locals on the road,” Kumar said.
The cause of the fire has not yet been known and investigations are still ongoing.
The Prime Minister expresses his sadness and announces compensation to the families of the deceased
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Malviya Nagar fire and announced an ex-gratia donation. $2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased. Those injured in the accident will receive treatment $50,000.
“The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I wish speedy recovery to the injured. The authorities are extending all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office wrote on
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the fire and said the government stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for strength and courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. The Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation. All necessary medical assistance and support is being provided to the affected families,” the CM wrote on her handle X.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu also expressed grief over the deadly fire and offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also called for the speedy recovery of the injured.
