New Delhi: At least 21 people lost their lives, and several others were injured in a fire incident that occurred at a bed and breakfast in South Delhi’s
Malviya Nagar on Wednesday. The Delhi Police has also taken hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj into custody.
As per reports, the hotel was operating with 24 rooms, which was far beyond the permitted limit of six. The tourism department of Delhi had given permission for six rooms only under the bed and breakfast scheme. Online booking also showed that there were 24 rooms.
Of 21 who lost their lives, 17 were foreign nationals. While the injured have been admitted to various hospitals, the incident was the deadliest fire incident in the national capital in recent times. The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the District Disaster Management Authority (South) received information of the fire at around 8.50 am.
Officials are trying to find out whether there were any violations of licensing and safety norms, which may have led to the tragedy at such a massive scale. Earlier, there were reports that the fire might have started from the nearby Lemon Green Restaurant, but later it was found that the fire started within the hotel building.
Govt in touch with embassies: Jaishankar
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed his deepest condolences at the loss of lives, including those of foreign nationals, in the incident. Taking to X, he wrote that the government was in touch with embassies and is extending all necessary help
“Express my deepest condolences at the loss of lives, including of foreign nationals, in the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Jaishankar posted. He added, “MEA is in touch with Embassies and is extending all necessary assistance.”
Also, 10 policemen who were involved in the rescue operations have been admitted to a hospital after suffering suffocation and hypoxia during the operation. The personnel from the Malviya Nagar police station were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after they were exposed to dense smoke while trying to rescue those trapped inside.
LG orders a month-long drive to check fire safety measures
Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu ordered a month-long drive to check fire safety compliance at all hotels, nursing homes, coaching institutes and other areas following the incident. He also chaired a meeting with the concerned departments and asked them to commence the drive from June 4. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also asked the South Delhi district magistrate to submit a report on the incident. She also warned of action in case any lapses were found.
