Death Toll Climbs to 22 in Delhi Hotel Fire as Foreign National Succumbs to Injuries

A foreign national who had been undergoing treatment after the devastating hotel fire in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll rises to 22 , police said on Sunday. The fire broke out on Wednesday morning at Flourish Stays B&B in the Hauz Rani area and rapidly engulfed the premises, trapping guests inside.

Victims included a teenager and several foreign nationals from Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Iraq, Congo, Mozambique and Liberia. Many of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation and suffocation , with escape routes reportedly blocked during the blaze. The latest victim died in hospital late Saturday night after days of critical care.

Police have arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and booked him under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder , as investigators examine allegations of gross negligence and regulatory violations. A cook has also been detained, with preliminary findings suggesting possible mishandling in the kitchen area that may have contributed to the fire’s outbreak and subsequent panic. He was later taken to the site for crime scene reconstruction and questioning , while an associate of the owner remains absconding.

Initial probes indicate multiple possible triggers, including a short circuit, suspected LPG involvement in the basement kitchen, and electrical faults in equipment , though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.

Authorities have also flagged serious safety violations, including operation of around 25 rooms despite permission for only six , lack of fire safety compliance, and blocked or inadequate exits. A locked basement entrance and poor ventilation systems severely hampered rescue efforts, making it one of the deadliest hotel fires in the capital in recent years.