New Delhi: At least 21 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a devastating fire broke out at a restaurant-cum-building in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by multiple emergency agencies.
According to officials, the fire erupted in the early hours of the day at a restaurant operating on the ground floor of the building. The blaze quickly spread through the structure, trapping several occupants inside.
Jitendra Kumar, SDM and DDMA South District official, said emergency teams were activated immediately after receiving information about the incident. He confirmed that four bodies had initially been recovered from the site, while several injured persons were shifted to hospitals for treatment. Residents and local people also assisted in rescue efforts by placing mattresses on the road, helping some occupants escape by jumping from upper floors.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. She said teams from the Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Service and other agencies were mobilised immediately, enabling the evacuation and rescue of several people from the affected premises.
The Chief Minister assured that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary medical assistance and support to the affected families.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Sandhu also conveyed his condolences, describing the incident as deeply distressing. He said police, fire and civil authorities were carrying out rescue operations and had been directed to ensure immediate relief, medical aid and a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged authorities to provide adequate compensation and prompt medical treatment to the victims and their families. He also appealed to Congress workers to assist those affected by the tragedy.
BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay said the administration’s immediate priority was activating the disaster management system and ensuring a swift response. He stated that several injured people were undergoing treatment in hospitals and praised local residents for helping rescue those trapped inside.
Former AAP MLA Somnath Bharti claimed the fire may have started due to a short circuit before spreading from the restaurant kitchen to an adjoining hotel building. He called for a detailed probe into the incident and demanded compensation for the victims’ families.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Rescue and relief operations were continuing at the site at the time of reporting.
