Image: from Pajhwok Afghan News X @pajhwok
By Open Chronicle with agencies
A devastating fire swept through a hotel in India’s capital on Wednesday morning, killing at least 21 people and injuring several others as guests desperately attempted to escape the rapidly spreading flames.
The blaze broke out at the Flourish Inn Stay hotel in the Malviya Nagar area of southern New Delhi, turning what began as an ordinary morning into one of the city’s deadliest hotel disasters in recent years.
Authorities said the fire started at approximately 8:50 a.m. local time in a restaurant located on the ground floor of the five-story building before quickly spreading to upper levels where many guests were still asleep.
21 DEAD, 18 FOREIGN NATIONALS AMONG VICTIMS in Delhi hotel fire
Shocking visuals show moments when some victims trapped in the Upper floors, jumped off the building to save their lives
Deadly fire at Delhi's Flourish Stay hotel in Malviya Nagar has claimed 21 lives,… pic.twitter.com/bSZxXHwjcY
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) June 3, 2026
Guests Forced to Jump from Windows
Witnesses described scenes of panic as thick smoke and flames engulfed the structure. Videos circulating online showed several people leaping from upper-floor windows in a desperate attempt to escape.
Resident Vasim Raja, who was among the first people to arrive at the scene, said he witnessed multiple people jumping from the building.
“I saw at least two people jumping out from the windows,” Raja said. He added that residents began rescue efforts before emergency teams arrived, helping several people trapped inside.
“We brought out seven people from the basement of the building before any rescuers arrived,” he explained.
Emergency crews later battled the blaze while searching for survivors trapped inside the smoke-filled hotel.
Foreign Nationals Among the Victims
Police confirmed that 47 people were inside the hotel when the fire erupted. At least 21 people lost their lives, including 17 foreign nationals from African and Central Asian countries.
The hotel is known for accommodating patients and families visiting the nearby Max Hospital Saket, one of India’s leading medical facilities, located only a short distance away.
In a statement, the hospital said 18 deceased victims were brought to its facilities following the fire. Medical teams also treated 15 injured people, several of whom required intensive care.
India has become a major destination for medical tourism due to its comparatively affordable healthcare services and internationally recognized hospitals. Patients regularly travel to the country from Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and other regions seeking specialized medical treatment.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the disaster.
Delhi Police registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against unidentified individuals while investigators work to determine responsibility for the tragedy.
A preliminary inspection by fire department officials found that the hotel reportedly did not possess a valid fire safety certificate at the time of the incident.
Although the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, early reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze.
Officials are expected to examine the building’s safety systems, emergency exits, and compliance with fire regulations as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Government Announces Compensation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced financial assistance for those affected.
The federal government will provide compensation of 200,000 Indian rupees to the families of those killed and 50,000 rupees to those injured in the fire.
Meanwhile, Rekha Gupta described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and extended condolences to the victims and their loved ones.
Renewed Focus on Fire Safety
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards and regulatory enforcement in densely populated urban areas across India.
Fatal fires in hotels, commercial buildings, and residential complexes have periodically exposed shortcomings in safety compliance, emergency preparedness, and building inspections. The findings of the official investigation are expected to intensify scrutiny of hospitality establishments and fire safety enforcement in the capital.
As authorities continue recovery operations and investigations, families across India and abroad are mourning the lives lost in a disaster that unfolded within minutes and left a lasting impact on New Delhi’s medical tourism community.
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