At least 21 people have died after a devastating fire tore through a hotel in India’s capital New Delhi on Wednesday. Several others were rescued from the building as firefighters battled the blaze for hours.
The fire reportedly originated at around 8:50am in the basement restaurant of the five-storey Micasa Inn hotel, located in the densely populated Malviya Nagar area of the city. Emergency services were alerted quickly, prompting the deployment of multiple firefighting units, including water engines, water bowsers, and rapid-response vehicles.
Authorities said around 40 people were believed to be inside the hotel when the fire broke out. The exact cause of the incident has not yet been determined, and a formal investigation has been launched.
Television visuals from the scene showed terrified guests attempting to escape, with some jumping from upper floors to avoid the advancing flames. Rescue teams continued evacuation efforts for several hours amid thick smoke and intense heat.
The hotel, situated in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, has around 25 rooms and was reportedly housing nearly 40 guests at the time of the incident. Reports indicate that many of the occupants were foreign nationals who had travelled to India for medical treatment.
Officials said most guests were asleep when the fire began, which significantly hampered escape and rescue efforts.
Kesar Singh, a chef working at the hotel’s restaurant, said the blaze started shortly after he attempted to switch on an electric stove at around 8am. He described scenes of panic as flames spread rapidly through the building.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire and reviewing safety compliance at the hotel, while rescue operations have concluded at the site.
