A severe fire broke out at a bed-and-breakfast hotel in New Delhi, India, causing at least 21 deaths and numerous injuries. Most of the guests were relatives of foreign patients visiting for medical treatment.
A major fire occurred at the Flourish Stay B&B located in a narrow alley in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar district, southern New Delhi, India, this morning (3 June).
Police reported receiving the fire alarm at approximately 08:48 local time. They promptly coordinated the dispatch of eight fire trucks, water tankers, and rapid disaster response vehicles to the scene to organize rescue, evacuation, and relief operations. Officials have since brought the fire under control but continue searching for missing persons, as most guests were likely asleep during the early morning blaze.
Latest reports indicate at least 21 fatalities from the incident, with over 40 survivors rescued. Among them, three were pulled from the basement of the Lemon Green restaurant located in the same building. All injured individuals were immediately transported by emergency ambulance to nearby hospitals; their conditions remain unclear.
Eyewitnesses and online videos captured dramatic scenes of flames and thick smoke engulfing the 25-room building. At least two women chose to jump from upper-floor windows onto the street below to escape, while local residents rushed to assist by spreading mattresses to cushion their falls.
Local residents stated that about 40 guests were staying at the hotel, mostly foreigners from Central Asia and Africa who had traveled to India for medical treatment. These guests were relatives and caregivers of patients admitted at Max Hospital nearby.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the platform X, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss from the fire in Malviya Nagar. My sympathies to the families of the deceased and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are working tirelessly to provide assistance.” He also announced compensation from the National Relief Fund: 200,000 rupees (approx. 87,000 baht) for each deceased family and 50,000 rupees (approx. 22,000 baht) for each injured person.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, assuring that the local government is closely monitoring the situation. She ordered health agencies to mobilize full medical and support services for the affected families.
The cause of this major fire remains under thorough investigation by forensic officials, and no definitive cause has been established yet.