New Delhi: A devastating fire at a bed-and-breakfast establishment in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar claimed at least 21 lives on Wednesday, with preliminary investigations revealing serious violations of licensing and fire safety regulations. The blaze broke out at Flourish Stay B&B in the Hauz Rani area, where authorities allege the property was operating far beyond its approved capacity.
Several of the victims are reported to be foreign nationals, while many others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Property allegedly exceeded licensed capacity
According to officials, the establishment had permission to operate only six rooms under the Bed & Breakfast category. However, initial investigations indicate that nearly 25 rooms were being used to accommodate guests.
Authorities are examining whether the excessive occupancy contributed to the scale of the tragedy and hampered evacuation efforts during the fire.
Sources also indicated that guests were allegedly being accommodated in the basement, an area that has come under particular scrutiny following reports that many victims were trapped there during the incident.
Single exit raises safety concerns
Investigators have identified another major concern: the building reportedly had only one common entry and exit point.
The lack of multiple escape routes may have significantly affected evacuation efforts as flames and smoke rapidly spread through the structure.
According to fire officials, the building comprised a basement, ground floor and five upper floors. The dense urban surroundings and narrow access roads in the Malviya Nagar area also posed challenges for emergency responders.
Suffocation suspected as major cause of deaths
Preliminary findings and eyewitness accounts suggest that many victims may have died due to suffocation rather than direct burn injuries.
Heavy smoke reportedly filled several sections of the building, particularly the basement area, where guests are believed to have been staying.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over illegal construction, unauthorised room operations and inadequate fire safety compliance in commercial establishments operating in residential areas.
Police register culpable homicide case
The Delhi Police have registered a case of culpable homicide against unidentified persons in connection with the fire.
Authorities are now investigating whether the property possessed the mandatory fire safety clearances and whether required firefighting equipment was installed and functional at the time of the incident.
Investigators are also examining the responsibility of property owners, operators and any officials who may have overlooked regulatory violations.
Fresh spotlight on safety enforcement
The tragedy has triggered renewed concerns about enforcement of building and fire safety norms across the national capital.
The incident occurred just a day after another major emergency in Delhi, where a suspected LPG cylinder explosion led to the collapse of a building in the Mukundpur area, injuring 10 people.
With multiple safety-related incidents reported in quick succession, questions are being raised about inspection mechanisms, compliance monitoring and accountability for establishments operating beyond approved limits.
Authorities are continuing rescue, recovery and forensic investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify all regulatory violations linked to the tragedy.