New Delhi: A devastating fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of at least 20 people and left several others injured, while rescue teams managed to evacuate dozens from the smoke-filled building.
The blaze broke out around 8:50 am in the basement restaurant of the five storey Micasa Inn hotel, triggering a major emergency response. Firefighters rushed to the scene with multiple vehicles, including water engines, water bowsers, and rapid response units, as thick smoke engulfed the structure.
Authorities said around 40 guests were believed to be staying at the hotel when the fire erupted. Many of them were reportedly asleep, making evacuation more difficult as the flames and smoke spread through the building. Rescue operations led to the evacuation of 47 people, while emergency teams continued searches to ensure no one remained trapped inside.
Dramatic visuals from the scene showed several guests jumping from the building in desperate attempts to escape the rapidly worsening conditions. The hotel, located in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, is understood to have around 25 rooms and was accommodating both domestic and foreign visitors, including people who had travelled to Delhi for medical treatment.
A chef working in the hotel’s restaurant recounted the terrifying moments before the fire intensified. According to him, he was preparing to start work when flames suddenly appeared near an electric stove. Realising the seriousness of the situation, he alerted his assistant and rushed out of the building. Once outside, he saw the hotel engulfed in flames and managed to escape safely.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an investigation is underway to establish how the blaze started.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and said all necessary medical and relief assistance was being provided. She added that emergency agencies responded swiftly, helping rescue and evacuate numerous people from the affected premises.
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