External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed condolences over the loss of lives, including foreign nationals, in the tragic fire at a hotel in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. He said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in contact with concerned embassies and is extending all necessary assistance.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was “deeply saddened" by the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“Express my deepest condolences at the loss of lives, including of foreign nationals, in the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he wrote.
He added that the MEA is working closely with foreign embassies as several foreign nationals were among the victims. “MEA is in touch with Embassies and is extending all necessary assistance," he said.
The massive fire broke out early Wednesday morning at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, killing at least 21 people, including 11 foreign nationals, officials said.
Many of the foreign victims were reportedly staying at the hotel to attend to relatives admitted in a nearby private hospital. Officials said most of the casualties are believed to be from Central Asia and African countries.
The fire broke out around 8.30 am and spread rapidly through the five-storey building, which officials said had limited entry and exit points and inadequate safety measures. Rescue teams, along with local residents, pulled out dozens of people from the smoke-filled structure.
The Bangladesh High Commission said five Bangladeshi nationals were among the injured, with three undergoing treatment at Max Hospital in Saket and two recovering at Safdarjung Hospital.
“High Commission deeply condoles the tragic incident of fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, that claimed several precious lives and left many others injured… The Mission is in constant contact with the authorities and is closely monitoring their condition | well-being," the country’s High Commission wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has said an FIR has been registered under charges including culpable homicide. Officials said the building lacked adequate fire safety clearance, and investigations are underway to determine the cause.
Authorities have also warned that the death toll could rise as several injured remain in critical condition.
Source: News18