Fire at Delhi's Malviya Nagar Hotel Claims 21 Lives, Owner Detained

A devastating fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, on June 3, 2026, has claimed the lives of at least 21 individuals, with several others sustaining serious injuries. The incident occurred at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast, located in the densely populated Hauz Rani area. Emergency services rescued over 40 people trapped in the building amidst thick smoke and flames.

The deceased included both local and foreign victims, predominantly from Central Asia and Africa. Reports indicate that nine of the deceased were African nationals, two were from Turkmenistan, and the rest were Indians. The Delhi Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, filing a First Information Report under culpable homicide charges against the hotel's owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, who has since been detained.

Delhi's Chief Minister acknowledged the tragic incident and announced compensation measures. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and declared an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh (approximately £2,000) to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 (about £500) for those injured.

Eyewitness accounts detail urgent efforts to assist victims. A mattress trader nearby, Riyazuddin Mansuri, reportedly laid out quilts and mattresses on the ground to create a safety net for individuals attempting to jump from the burning structure. His timely actions led to the rescue of eight lives before emergency services arrived on the scene.

Local officials confirmed that a significant number of those rescued were transported to hospitals, with some requiring critical care due to severe burns and smoke inhalation. Out of the 58 individuals sent to medical facilities, 21 were declared dead upon arrival, and authorities warned that the death toll could rise as multiple victims remain in life-threatening conditions.

In response to this tragedy, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi announced plans to seal unauthorised commercial properties, starting with establishments in the South Zone. This directive followed complaints regarding the fire department’s delayed response during the incident.

Furthermore, the Delhi government has decided to revoke its Bed and Breakfast policy and will undertake a review of all licensed accommodations operating under the scheme. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra stated that any establishment operating beyond the permitted six rooms would face licence cancellation.

The fire has sparked debates among political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Indian National Congress, some of which have pointed fingers at alleged deficiencies in fire safety regulations and emergency response protocols. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed his sorrow over the losses, reiterating the need for accountability in maintaining safety standards across commercial establishments.

As investigations continue, further details regarding the cause of the fire remain unclear, prompting calls for enhanced scrutiny of safety measures in such establishments across the city.