21 killed in Delhi restaurant blaze; over 40 rescued
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: At least 21 people were killed and more than 40 others rescued after a fire broke out at a restaurant in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning.
The blaze was reported at around 8:48 am at Flourish Stay B&B, also identified locally as Lemon Green Restaurant, triggering a large-scale emergency response involving the Delhi Fire Services, police and disaster management teams.
According to Delhi Police, eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the fire was later brought under control.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal said local police personnel immediately began rescue, evacuation and relief operations after receiving information about the fire.
“Through the coordinated efforts of police, fire services and other emergency responders, more than 40 persons were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment,” Mittal said.
He confirmed that 21 people had been declared dead and said rescue and search operations were still underway. Officials said the majority of the deceased were believed to be foreign nationals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also condoled the deaths.
“In this hour of grief, Delhi Government stands firmly with the affected families. We remain committed to providing every possible support to those impacted by this tragedy,” Gupta said in a post on X.
She added that teams from the Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA and CATS Ambulance Services were mobilised immediately after the incident was reported.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the incident and said rescue and relief operations were continuing.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condoled the deaths and urged the Delhi government to ensure adequate compensation and prompt medical treatment for the injured.
The cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined.