MASSIVE FIRE AT DELHI RESTAURANT, 21 DEAD ALIVE, SEVEREAL BATTLING FOR LIFE

Face2News/New Delhi

A devastating fire broke out at a restaurant in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of 21 people and leaving several others injured. The tragic incident occurred at around 9:00 a.m., sending shockwaves across the national capital.

According to Delhi Police, most of the deceased are believed to be foreign nationals. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and evacuated several injured individuals, who were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities said that around 40 to 50 people were present inside the restaurant when the fire erupted and spread rapidly. 

Witnesses reported that the blaze spread rapidly, giving many occupants little time to escape. While several people were rescued safely, many became trapped inside the building. Firefighters eventually brought the flames under control after an intensive operation.

The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received information about the fire at approximately 9:45 a.m. Multiple fire tenders were dispatched to the location. Fire personnel, along with Delhi Police and emergency response teams, conducted rescue operations and evacuated people from the restaurant, including those trapped in the basement.

Several injured victims were transported to hospitals through CATS ambulances. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Officials believe the presence of electrical equipment, furniture, and combustible materials inside the restaurant contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Prime Minister Announces Ex-Gratia Relief : Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the next of kin of each deceased person will receive ₹2 lakh, while those injured in the incident will be given ₹50,000 as ex-gratia relief.

Leaders Express Condolences: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the incident as heartbreaking and extended condolences to the bereaved families while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives. She expressed condolences to the affected families and assured that the Delhi government was closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary medical assistance and support.

She also praised the prompt response of the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Service, and other emergency agencies, whose efforts helped rescue several people from the site.

LG Orders Thorough Investigation: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu also expressed grief over the incident. He stated that police, civil administration, and fire department teams were engaged in rescue and relief operations and directed officials to ensure immediate medical assistance, relief measures, and a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into possible safety lapses and the circumstances that led to one of Delhi’s deadliest fire incidents in recent years.