Shafaqna Pakistan: At least 21 people were killed after a fire swept through a hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, according to police, making it one of the deadliest fire incidents in the Indian capital in recent years.
Building fires remain a recurring problem in India, often attributed to inadequate firefighting infrastructure and poor compliance with safety regulations.
The blaze broke out in the morning at Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast located in a densely populated area in the southern part of the city, Delhi Police said in a statement.
“It is with profound sorrow that 21 persons have been declared dead in this tragic incident,” the statement said.
Authorities added that rescue and search operations were still underway, while more than 40 people had been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
According to local media reports, including The Indian Express, several of those who died were visitors from African countries who had travelled to the city to receive medical treatment.
The blaze was eventually brought under control with the help of eight fire engines, police said.
“All concerned agencies remain deployed at the spot to ensure every possible assistance to those affected,” the force added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “tragic”.
“My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” his office said in a statement on X.
The cause of the fire was not immediately clear.
Electrical short circuits, often caused by poorly maintained wiring, remain the leading cause of fire incidents in India.
In March, a fire at a government-run hospital in eastern India killed at least 10 critically ill patients.
Source: Dunya News
