NEW DELHI: At least 21 people, including several foreign nationals, were killed and more than 40 others injured after a massive fire broke out at Flourish Stay B&B, a bed-and-breakfast establishment in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning. 

The blaze, which erupted around 8:45–8:50 am in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar, quickly engulfed the multi-storey building that housed both a restaurant (reportedly Lemon Green Restaurant) on the lower floors and guest rooms above. According to officials, the building had only one functional escape route, which severely hampered evacuation efforts and led to many people being trapped inside.

Delhi Fire Services rushed multiple fire tenders to the spot and carried out a major rescue operation. Over 40 people were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals including Max Hospital Saket and AIIMS, where 21 were declared brought dead. Several of the deceased are believed to be foreign nationals, mainly from African countries and Central Asia, who were possibly in Delhi for medical treatment.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as thick smoke billowed from the building and people desperately tried to escape. Some guests were seen jumping from the first floor to save themselves. Fire officials stated that many victims were asleep when the fire broke out, contributing to the high casualty figure.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated in the kitchen or basement area of the restaurant. Officials have registered an FIR against the owner and management of the establishment for alleged safety violations, including overcrowding, lack of adequate fire exits, and non-compliance with fire safety norms. The building was reportedly operating under the Delhi government’s Bed & Breakfast scheme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured. “The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” he said in a post on ‘X’.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also expressed grief and directed officials to provide all possible medical assistance to the injured. She ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident and directed strict action against those responsible for negligence.

The tragedy has once again highlighted serious concerns over fire safety compliance in Delhi’s densely populated urban villages and commercial areas. Fire safety audits of similar establishments in Malviya Nagar and surrounding localities have been ordered.

As rescue and firefighting operations continued for several hours, authorities urged citizens to avoid the area. The death toll may rise further as some of the injured are said to be in critical condition.

This incident marks one of the deadliest fire tragedies in the national capital in recent years, sending shockwaves across the city and raising urgent questions about enforcement of building safety regulations.