At least 21 people were killed and several others injured after a major fire broke out at a restaurant-cum-hotel building in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday. The blaze erupted at Micasa Homes,
a bed and breakfast facility, in Hauz Rani, before spreading through the five-storey structure and trapping guests inside.
More than 40 people were rescued during a large-scale operation involving the Delhi Fire Service, police and disaster management teams. Thick smoke engulfed the building, complicating evacuation efforts and prompting an hours-long rescue operation. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Malviya Nagar MLA Satish Upadhyay, who visited the site, said authorities responded within minutes of the incident being reported. “This incident occurred at 8:51 AM, and since 9 AM, we have been here. The fire department and disaster management responded immediately, BSES cut off the electricity supply. The police personnel also carried out a lot of rescue operations, and a total of 47 people have been rescued,” he said. Upadhyay added that 20 to 21 people had been injured or killed and that seven to eight people were in serious condition. “The cause has not been ascertained yet, but this is a very tragic incident. The entire government machinery is engaged in rescue operations here,” he said.
What Led To The Malviya Nagar Fire?
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.
According to preliminary information, the blaze appears to have originated in the basement area where Micasa Homes operates. Investigators are examining whether an electrical fault, a kitchen-related accident or another technical failure may have triggered the fire.
Authorities are also expected to investigate whether the building complied with fire safety norms, including the availability of functioning firefighting equipment, emergency exits and other mandatory safety measures. Officials will examine how the fire and smoke spread through the structure and whether any safety lapses contributed to the high casualty count.
What We Know So Far About The Delhi Fire
- The fire broke out at Micasa Homes in the Hauz Rani locality of Malviya Nagar in South Delhi. Earlier reports said the fire took place at Lemon Green Hotel. However, authorities clarified it was Micasa Homes.
- The bed and breakfast facility is in a five-storey building situated in a densely populated area with narrow access lanes.
- At least 21 people have died in the incident, while several others have been injured.
- Several people were seen jumping off higher floors as horrifying videos emerged from the scene.
- MLA Satish Upadhyay said 47 people were rescued from the building during the operation.
- According to local residents, the hotel had around 25 rooms and was accommodating over 40 guests at the time of the fire.
- Sources said many of the guests staying at the hotel were foreign nationals who had travelled to India for medical treatment.
- Several victims are believed to have been trapped by dense smoke that spread rapidly through the building.
- BSES disconnected the electricity supply to the area as part of emergency response measures.
- Firefighters, police personnel and disaster management teams were deployed to conduct rescue and evacuation operations.
- Officials said seven to eight people remain in serious condition.
- The Delhi Fire Service and police have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
- The Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia for the families of the deceased. “The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office mentioned.
As investigators begin examining the site, attention is likely to focus on fire safety compliance at the hotel and its restaurant, as well as the challenges posed by operating commercial establishments in densely packed neighbourhoods with limited access for emergency vehicles.
