Deadly Delhi Blaze
New Delhi Fire Claims 21 Lives in Hotel and Restaurant Building, Cause Undisclosed
A fire tore through a five-story building in New Delhi's Malviya Nagar neighborhood on June 3, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more, according to Indian Express. The blaze broke out around 8:30 AM at the Flourish Stay B&B hotel, which sat above the Lemon Green Restaurant on the ground floor. Eight fire engines responded, and more than 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.
Many of the victims were foreign nationals — primarily from South Africa and Central Asia — who had traveled to India for medical treatment, according to NDTV. The Malviya Nagar area sits close to major hospitals including AIIMS and Max Hospital Saket, making it a popular hub for medical tourists.
Fire Started in Restaurant, Spread Fast Through Building
Chef Kesar Singh of the Lemon Green Restaurant told investigators he tried to light an electric stove around 8:00 AM, after which a "fire suddenly erupted," according to The Week. The blaze spread rapidly up through the building's single staircase, which quickly filled with thick smoke. With only one entry and exit point, occupants on upper floors were trapped.
Authorities upgraded the emergency to a "Make-4" category — meaning a major fire — by 9:16 AM, according to Economic Times. Ten vehicles were eventually deployed, including water bowsers and breathing apparatus units. Chief Fire Officer Abhilash Malik said six bodies were first recovered from the basement as teams pushed through the smoke.
Residents Placed Mattresses as People Jumped to Escape
Local residents rushed to help as people on upper floors jumped to escape the smoke, according to Indian Express. Neighbors placed mattresses on the street below to cushion falls. Video circulated online showing a woman attempting to climb down a rope before falling to the ground. Thirteen victims were taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre, with three in critical condition from fall injuries.
In total, 28 more survivors were split between Max Hospital Saket and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital, according to Economic Times. Between 37 and 40 people were rescued from the building overall. Deputy Commissioner of Police Anant Mittal said "local police staff immediately reached the spot and commenced rescue, evacuation, and relief operations."
Building Had 25 Illegal Rooms — Only 6 Were Permitted
The Flourish Stay B&B was approved for just 6 rooms but had been illegally expanded to 25, according to Xinhua. The building's single staircase and lack of fire escapes turned the structure into what local officials called a "death trap." Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jitendra Kumar confirmed the building's fire NOC — a required safety certificate — was "under scanner."
The congested lanes of Hauz Rani, the urban village within Malviya Nagar, also slowed the rescue effort, according to The Hindu. Eyewitnesses said narrow roads made it hard for fire trucks to get close. Police indicated further arrests are possible, and building owners could face charges under Indian law for culpable homicide.
Modi Announces Compensation as Safety Failures Come Under Fire
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deaths "tragic" and said authorities were "providing all possible assistance," according to Economic Times. His office announced ₹2 lakh (about $2,088) for each victim's family and ₹50,000 for the injured through the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government was "closely monitoring the situation."
The disaster drew sharp attention to India's fire safety record. The Union Health Ministry had launched a "Fire Safety Week" just weeks earlier, in early May 2026, according to NDTV. The Delhi High Court had also ordered authorities in January 2026 to create a fire safety action plan for hotels and restaurants. Officials say an aggressive audit of B&Bs across South Delhi is now expected.
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