New Delhi: A devastating fire tore through a hotel building in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people and injuring several others in one of the deadliest fire tragedies to hit the national capital in recent years. Authorities said that many of the victims were foreign nationals, including citizens from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Liberia, and Mozambique.
The blaze reportedly broke out shortly before 9 a.m. in a restaurant operating on the ground floor of the building before rapidly spreading to the upper floors, where guests were staying. Thick smoke and flames quickly engulfed the structure, trapping dozens inside.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people rushed to escape. Several guests were seen hanging from windows and jumping from upper floors to save themselves. Local residents sprang into action, dragging mattresses from nearby shops onto the street to cushion those forced to leap from the burning building. In one dramatic rescue, a woman reportedly jumped from the third floor while holding a child and landed safely on a mattress placed by residents.
At least 21 people have been killed and dozens injured after a massive fire tore through a building housing a restaurant and hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area.#delhi #delhidiaries pic.twitter.com/tVuKd2POlO
— Zo World (@ZoWorldd1) June 3, 2026
Delhi Police said more than 40 people were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals with the help of firefighters and emergency responders. Doctors at the state-run All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) confirmed that several injured victims were undergoing treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
According to fire officials, eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the blaze. After hours of firefighting operations, the fire was brought under control by midday. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated in the restaurant located on the ground floor.
The tragedy has also raised serious concerns about fire safety compliance. Initial reports indicate that the hotel may have been operating far beyond its licensed capacity, prompting scrutiny of possible building and safety violations. Investigators are examining whether regulatory lapses contributed to the high death toll.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims. He said authorities were providing all possible assistance to those affected by the disaster.
The incident is among the worst hotel fire disasters in Delhi since recent years and has once again brought the spotlight on fire safety enforcement in hotels, guest houses, and commercial establishments across the city.
