The Delhi government has announced a sweeping crackdown on properties that violate fire safety norms following a devastating fire at a hotel in the capital city that claimed 21 lives on Wednesday, including 12 foreign nationals, the chief minister's office confirmed. This incident marks the deadliest fire in the city since 2022.
Details of the Incident
The blaze erupted at a hotel in Malviya Nagar, a neighborhood in South Delhi, which local media reported was popular among patients receiving treatment at a nearby hospital and their relatives. Firefighters worked tirelessly to douse the flames as thick black smoke billowed into the sky, with television footage showing people trapped on upper floors jumping onto mattresses laid out below.
A criminal case has been registered, and the building's owner has been arrested, police officials stated. The chief minister's office announced on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday that a city-wide enforcement drive will target all guest houses and other establishments operating in violation of fire safety regulations and building by-laws. Non-compliant premises will be sealed, and those responsible will face prosecution.
Victims and Response
The foreign nationals killed in the tragedy included individuals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia, according to media reports. Reuters could not independently verify this information. India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated on X that the ministry is in contact with the relevant embassies and is providing all necessary assistance.
Authorities confirmed that over 40 people were taken to hospitals for treatment, with eight in critical condition, according to a statement from a nearby hospital. Local lawmaker Satish Upadhyay reported that 47 guests were present in the hotel when the fire broke out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling the deaths tragic.
Safety Concerns and Investigation
Building fires are common in India due to inadequate firefighting equipment and routine disregard for safety regulations. The cause of this latest fire remains unknown. Some reports indicated that the hotel had only one door for entry and exit and lacked proper ventilation. Upadhyay stated, "An inquiry will be conducted, and anyone who has broken norms and is responsible will be immediately arrested."
The Delhi government's crackdown aims to prevent such tragedies by ensuring strict compliance with fire safety standards and building codes across the city.
