Short circuit caused Delhi hotel fire, faulty wiring under lens in prelim probe

Preliminary investigations into the Malviya Nagar hotel fire suggest a short circuit in the building's internal wiring may have sparked the blaze. Police have ruled out an LPG cylinder explosion, while forensic teams continue to examine the site and safety compliance measures.

In Short

• LPG cylinder explosion ruled out by investigators
• Fire may have started from internal electrical wiring fault
• Forensic team examining electrical systems and fire origins

The preliminary findings in the investigation into the deadly fire at Delhi's Malviya Nagar hotel indicate that the blaze was likely caused by a short circuit, according to police sources.

Investigators examining the incident have ruled out an LPG cylinder explosion as the cause of the fire. Sources said the hotel had two separate kitchens, one located in the basement and another on the top floor of the building. Several LPG cylinders were stored inside both kitchens, but initial inspections found no evidence of any cylinder blast.

Police officials said the pattern and intensity of the fire suggest that it may have originated from an electrical fault within the building's internal wiring system. According to investigators, fires of such magnitude generally spread rapidly when a short circuit occurs in concealed electrical wiring, allowing flames to travel through different sections of the structure.

FORENSIC TEAM ALREADY IN WORKS

A forensic team has already inspected the building and collected samples from the site. Experts are examining the electrical systems and other potential ignition sources to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the blaze.

The findings of the forensic examination will play a crucial role in establishing the precise cause of the fire and identifying whether any lapses in safety standards contributed to the incident.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and are expected to scrutinise the hotel's fire safety measures, electrical infrastructure and compliance with building regulations. A detailed forensic report is awaited, which will provide greater clarity on the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and further action will be taken based on the final findings.

Authorities said that of the 21 people killed in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire, six were foreign nationals and nine were Indian citizens. The identities of the remaining six victims have yet to be confirmed. Officials are continuing identification efforts and are working to notify the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

'THE HOTEL DIDN'T HAVE FIRE SAFETY NOC'

During police interrogation, Lavkesh Bajaj, the arrested owner reportedly admitted that he fled the area after the blaze broke out because he panicked. He also told investigators that the property did not have a Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC).

According to police sources, Bajaj revealed that he was in the vicinity of Flourish Stay B&B when the fire erupted on Wednesday but chose not to remain at the spot and left the area shortly afterwards.

The accused is expected to be produced before a court around 2 pm on Thursday. Delhi Police are likely to seek his custody for three to four days to further probe the incident, recover relevant documents and examine the functioning of the three hotels allegedly operated by him.

Investigators are also expected to scrutinise compliance with safety norms and determine whether any negligence or regulatory violations contributed to the tragedy that claimed 21 lives.

DELHI GOVERNMENT FORMS PANEL TO PROBE

In the wake of the incident, the Delhi government has constituted a joint committee to probe possible safety lapses and conduct a city-wide inspection of similar establishments.

Sources said teams comprising officials from the district administration, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Police and the Power Department will begin inspections across the capital from Thursday. The exercise will focus on compliance with fire safety norms, building regulations and electrical safety standards.

Officials indicated that the inspection drive could lead to a large-scale sealing operation if serious violations are found. Authorities are expected to scrutinise hotels, guest houses and other hospitality establishments operating under various licensing categories.

According to government records, nearly 702 properties in Delhi are registered under the Bed and Breakfast scheme. As part of the drive, officials will verify whether these establishments are functioning within the permissions granted to them and adhering to prescribed safety requirements.

- Ends