A devastating fire in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area claimed the lives of more than 20 people on Wednesday, triggering a massive rescue operation and raising fresh concerns about fire safety in the capital.
The blaze broke out in a multi-storey building that housed a restaurant on the ground floor and accommodation facilities on the upper levels.
According to officials, emergency teams rushed to the spot soon after the fire was reported. Firefighters battled thick smoke and flames while attempting to rescue those trapped inside the structure.
Several people were evacuated from the building and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams managed to save dozens of occupants during the operation.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as residents and visitors tried to escape the rapidly spreading fire. Local residents also joined rescue efforts, helping move injured people to safety while emergency personnel worked to bring the situation under control.
Authorities confirmed that the death toll had crossed 20, with several others sustaining injuries. Some of the victims are believed to be foreign nationals who were staying in the area for medical treatment, though officials are still working to establish the identities of all those affected.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze may have originated in the restaurant operating on the lower floor of the building, but officials have not yet released a final conclusion.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over fire preparedness and compliance with safety regulations in densely populated commercial and residential areas of the city.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the building met the required safety norms and if any lapses contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
