In touch with embassies of foreigners killed in Delhi hotel fire: S Jaishankar

A fire at a Malviya Nagar guest house killed 21 people, including foreign nationals, and injured dozens. The MEA is coordinating with embassies as authorities investigate the cause and monitor those hospitalised.

In Short

• Fire at Malviya Nagar guest house kills 21, including foreigners
• 58 survivors included families of patients receiving treatment
• Jaishankar says govt is coordinating with embassies, aiding families

After a devastating fire tore through a guest house in Delhi's Malviya Nagar and killed at least 21 people, including foreign nationals, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the government is coordinating with foreign embassies and extending assistance to the victims and their families.

The blaze broke out at the Flourish Stay B&B in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning and quickly engulfed the five-storey building. Many of those staying at the property were relatives of patients receiving treatment at nearby hospitals, according to officials.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene shortly after the fire was reported. Local residents also joined efforts to help those trapped inside the building as thick smoke spread through the structure.

Authorities said 21 victims were declared dead after the blaze, while 58 others were pulled to safety and rushed to hospitals. Officials have so far confirmed the identities of six foreign nationals and nine Indian citizens among the deceased, while six bodies are yet to be identified.

JAISHANKAR OFFERS CONDOLENCES

Reacting to the tragedy, Jaishankar expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said the government was extending support to affected foreign nationals.

"Express my deepest condolences at the loss of lives, including of foreign nationals, in the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Jaishankar posted on X.

"MEA is in touch with Embassies and is extending all necessary assistance," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy, announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for families who lost their loved ones and Rs 50,000 each for those who were injured.

BANGLADESH HIGH COMMISSION RESPONDS

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi also expressed grief over the incident and said it was monitoring the condition of its citizens injured in the fire.

According to the mission, five Bangladeshi nationals have been identified among the injured. Three of them are receiving treatment at Max Hospital in Saket, while two others are being treated at Safdarjung Hospital.

Officials are still trying to establish what triggered the fire, and an inquiry is underway.

- Ends
With inputs from agencies