A devastating fire broke out on June 3 in a multi-story hotel in South Delhi, resulting in at least 21 fatalities and numerous injuries. Among those who lost their lives were foreign nationals who had traveled to India for medical treatment or to accompany relatives.
The incident occurred at Flourish Stay, which reportedly operated as a bed-and-breakfast for patients and their families visiting a nearby private hospital. Many of the deceased hailed from South Asian and African countries.
Emergency responders managed to rescue over 40 individuals, who were subsequently hospitalized. The exact number of people present in the building at the time of the fire remains unclear, and the cause of the blaze has yet to be determined.
This incident is considered one of the deadliest fires in Delhi in recent years. Ashish Sood, the Delhi Minister, stated that authorities are investigating whether the hotel had the necessary permits to operate. He assured that those responsible for any violations would face legal consequences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,100) for the families of the deceased and a quarter of that amount for the injured.
Witnesses reported seeing many unconscious individuals inside the building, with some found under beds and others in bathrooms. One bystander recounted performing CPR on several victims, successfully reviving a few.
A shop owner across the street described laying out blankets on the ground to cushion the fall of those who jumped from upper floors. He noted that while several people leaped to escape, some survived the fall.
Authorities have not yet released a complete list of the deceased or officially identified the victims.
A fire in a South Delhi hotel has resulted in at least 21 deaths, with many victims being foreign nationals. The incident raises concerns over safety regulations as investigations continue.
Source: BBC