The rescue operation launched after a major fire erupted at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar has concluded, and the blaze has been fully brought under control, according to Delhi Divisional Officer Ravinder Singh. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 21 people. Confirming the completion of the operation, DO Ravinder Singh stated, “The rescue mission has been successfully completed. The fire has been completely extinguished, and all victims have been shifted to hospitals.”

Officials said the fire broke out at Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar at around 8:48 am. More than 40 people were rescued from the building during the emergency response. Reacting to the tragedy, Aam Aadmi Party MLA and Leader of Opposition Atishi expressed sorrow and questioned the state of fire safety in Delhi under the BJP government. In a post on X, she said the deaths were deeply painful and extended condolences to the affected families while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Atishi also raised concerns over recurring fire incidents in the capital, asking who would be held accountable for the repeated loss of innocent lives. She alleged that Delhi’s fire safety infrastructure had worsened under the BJP and criticized the lack of accountability following such disasters. Families of those missing continued to search desperately for information. One relative told reporters that his daughter and two granddaughters were untraceable and accused hospital authorities of failing to provide updates.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed grief over the incident. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the recovery of the injured, and appreciated rescue personnel involved in relief efforts. He further noted that reports suggesting foreign nationals were among the victims made the tragedy even more distressing.

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla demanded immediate administrative action and urged Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to review Delhi’s fire safety mechanisms. He emphasized the need to investigate the increasing number of fire incidents and the repeated loss of lives in the city. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal said local police personnel quickly reached the scene and initiated rescue and evacuation operations with the support of eight fire tenders. He confirmed that over 40 people had been rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals, while 21 individuals had lost their lives.

Mittal added that search and rescue efforts were continuing, with all concerned agencies deployed to provide assistance to those affected. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people jumped from upper floors to escape the flames while firefighters battled to contain the blaze. Authorities have now launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire, including possible violations of safety regulations and permission-related lapses.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.