Delhi Fire Tragedy: 21 Dead, Mostly Foreigners, Safety Lapses Flagged

A massive fire broke out at the Flourish Stay B&B in a five-storey building in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning, killing at least 21 people , officials said. The majority of the victims were foreign nationals, many of them medical tourists , with reports confirming they had travelled to India for treatment at nearby hospitals.

The building, located in the congested Hauz Rani locality, housed a restaurant on the ground floor and guest accommodation on the upper floors. Investigators believe the fire began in the basement or ground-floor restaurant area and spread rapidly through the structure, filling the premises with thick smoke and trapping occupants.

According to officials and multiple reports, the building had serious fire safety violations , including operating far beyond its permitted capacity. While it was reportedly licensed for only a handful of rooms, it was allegedly running multiple times more accommodations, including unauthorised basement rooms . Authorities have also placed the fire safety NOC and licensing compliance under scrutiny .

Another key concern under investigation is the narrow single entry-exit route , which severely restricted evacuation. Witnesses and officials said many people were forced to break windows and jump from upper floors to escape the flames. In several cases, locals used mattresses to cushion falls before emergency teams arrived.

Rescue operations involved Delhi Fire Services, police, disaster response teams, and ambulances, with around eight fire engines deployed . More than 40 people were rescued and taken to hospitals, but 21 were declared dead. Several injured remain in critical condition, and officials have not ruled out an increase in the death toll.

Reports also confirmed that some occupants were relatives of patients admitted at nearby hospitals , highlighting the area’s role as a medical hub for domestic and international visitors. Early accounts also suggest that emergency response was complicated by dense lanes and rapid smoke spread.

Authorities have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire, regulatory lapses, and possible criminal negligence . The premises have been sealed, and senior officials have promised strict action against those responsible.