Fire Breaks Out in South Delhi Restaurant, 21 Killed
Former AAP MLA Somnath Bharti claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit at around 8 am
New Delhi: Delhi Police have confirmed the loss of 21 lives in a fire at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar on Wednesday. Authorities said the fire broke out early in the morning.
Jitendra Kumar, SDM, DDMA, South District, told ANI, "We activated the DDMA cell as soon as we received a call. We have come to know that a restaurant was operating on the ground floor of this building. The cause of the fire is still not known."
He added, "Four bodies have been retrieved so far. Seven to eight people, including the injured, have been taken to the hospital for treatment. Some people from the floors above jumped out of the building onto mattresses laid on the road by locals."
"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastating fire incident in Malviya Nagar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength and courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," she said.
The Chief Minister stated that teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency agencies were mobilised immediately after information about the fire was received.
"Their swift response helped in rescuing and evacuating several persons from the affected premises," Gupta said.
She further informed that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all necessary assistance to affected families.
"All necessary medical assistance and support are being extended to the affected families. In this hour of grief, the Delhi Government stands firmly with the affected families. We remain committed to providing every possible support to those impacted by this tragedy," she added.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Sandhu also expressed condolences over the incident.
"Deeply distressed by the tragic fire at a hotel in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar. My thoughts and condolences are with the families of the deceased, and I join all in praying for the swift recovery of those injured," he said.
Sandhu added that police, civil and fire rescue teams were on-site conducting operations and that officials had been directed to ensure immediate medical aid, relief and a thorough investigation.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged authorities to provide compensation and medical treatment to victims.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," Kharge posted on X.
He added, "The State Government and authorities should provide adequate and timely compensation, including prompt medical care to the victims. I urge Congress workers to extend every possible help and support to the victims in this difficult time."
BJP MLA from Malviya Nagar Satish Upadhyay said the incident occurred at around 9 am and that disaster management mechanisms were activated immediately.
"Upon learning about it, our first response was to activate the whole system of disaster management and reach the site. There are casualties too. The local people helped a lot. Eight to ten people are injured and in the hospital," he said.
Upadhyay added that the Delhi Police, Fire Department and district administration responded promptly and assured that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Former AAP MLA Somnath Bharti claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit at around 8 am.
"The fire broke out due to a short circuit at 8 am today. The fire spread to the kitchen and then to the upper floors of the adjoining hotel. I am also involved in the rescue operation here," Bharti said.
He added that several people were affected by gas and smoke inhalation and called on the Delhi government to provide compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of the victims and conduct a detailed probe into the incident.
