Malviya Nagar fire horror: How locals tried to catch foreign tourists leaping from burning Delhi hotel using mattresses
Malviya Nagar fire: Over 21 people, including foreign medical tourists, have died in a massive fire at Malviya Nagar's 'Flourish Stay' hotel. A locked fire exit is under probe.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsMalviya Nagar fire: A disastrous fire has broken out in the hotel-restaurant located in Malviya Nagar of South Delhi. At least 21 people have lost their lives, while a number of them have sustained serious injuries due to the fire outbreak in this locality of the national capital.
Foreign nationals also lost their lives in the incident
According to the reports gathered by the investigators, some foreigners, who were residing at the place where the fire outbreak took place, have also died in the tragic incident. It has come to light that the hotel restaurant near the Max Hospital used to act as a lodgement center for foreign tourists visiting this hospital.
While the fire started spreading throughout the multi-story building, people trapped inside the building had to jump from their windows to save themselves from the blaze. Neighbors and locals showed immense bravery and courage by bringing pillows to help the people fall safely when jumping from the multi-story building. A number of people rescued the victims trapped inside the building despite the dense smoke emanating from the burning building.
ALSO READ | Delhi Malviya Nagar restaurant fire: All you need to know about the tragedy that claimed 20 lives
Deadly safety violations
Preliminary investigations indicate that there were multiple serious safety violations that led to the disaster.
Locked basement exit: According to investigators, many individuals were trapped in the basement, which had just one exit. This lone basement door was locked from the exterior, forcing the police team to break open the lock before the basement rescue mission could be launched. Criminal investigations have begun to ascertain the rationale behind the lock on the lone escape route.
No alternative fire exit: Locals revealed that the multi-level building did not have any other fire exits or structural exit routes. The building was relying on its main entrance and exit located at the front end. Unfortunately for the residents, the fire started in the same vicinity and, hence, blocked the only means of exit from the building.
Rescue operation unfolds
In terms of the timeline of the incident, according to Delhi Government Minister Ashish Sood, the first distress call to the fire department came around 8:25 PM to 8:40 PM.
While struggling against dense, suffocating clouds of toxic smoke, firefighters adopted a strategy to contain the fire using high-pressure water tenders from three sides.
Due to the joint and high-risk endeavors of both the fire force and the local volunteers, 37 persons were rescued out of the burning building, most being unconscious because of extreme smoke inhalation. Four bodies were recovered by fire officials during the preliminary phase of breaking through the barricade, with the total death toll sharply increasing to 21 as hospitals examined the severely wounded. Delhi’s fire department and administrative officers are continuously coordinating with emergency rooms.
Running 'BNB' business on license with absentee owner
During interviews conducted with local citizens, it was found that the building was running its hospitality business under the brand 'Flourish Stay.' The establishment was working with a license for Bed and Breakfast (BNB).
According to local residents, the primary owner of the building is an absentee businessman who neither lives in the local village area nor the neighboring locality and never inspects the building premises himself.
Prime Minister's Office and Lieutenant Governor offer ex-gratia relief
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has expressed deep sorrow at the heavy casualties suffered in the Malviya Nagar tragedy. As stated in an official announcement by the PMO on X, the following was conveyed:
"The fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi caused heavy casualties and loss of lives. I am sad to express my condolences to all the families whose near and dear ones passed away. My prayers are with those who were injured and wish for their quick recovery. Assistance is being provided to all concerned families."
An ex-gratia payment scheme has been introduced through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). This would include an amount of Rs. 2 lakh to each family that has lost someone and an amount of Rs. 50,000 to those who have been injured in the disaster.
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi expressed his deep anguish at the incident in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar. He clarified that the local police, municipal authorities, and fire officials were instructed to give utmost priority to providing medical treatment to victims, organized relief efforts, and conducting an investigation as to why such a tragedy occurred in the first place.