A Nigerian national who had been critically injured in the fire at Flourish Stays B&B in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has died during treatment, raising the death toll in the tragedy to 22.
The blaze, which broke out on Wednesday morning, claimed the lives of 21 people initially, including several foreign nationals and a 16-year-old girl.
The deceased, identified as Okale, had suffered severe burn injuries and was receiving care at Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted from Max Hospital due to his worsening condition.
Police said he was on ventilator support and passed away despite continuous medical attention. His body has been sent for post-mortem.
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Nagar Fire Case
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has arrested the hotel’s owner and the cook, alleging that his negligence may have played a role in triggering the blaze. Several other persons associated with the establishment are being questioned.
According to police sources, preliminary findings suggest that the cook’s actions could have contributed to the outbreak of the fire. Investigators are examining the exact sequence of events and questioning several people connected to the hotel.
Police had earlier arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and booked him under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The probe is focusing on alleged safety violations, unauthorised expansion of rooms and lapses in fire safety measures.
The investigation has found that the hotel was operating 25 rooms despite permission for only six, according to the FIR registered by Malviya Nagar Police.
Authorities have also identified alleged deficiencies in ventilation and emergency preparedness at the premises. The basement entrance was found locked when rescue teams arrived, forcing firefighters to cut open the door during rescue operations.
Multiple police teams are working to trace Jay Mishra, an associate of the hotel owner who has been absconding since the incident.
(With inputs from PTI)
