Delhi Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire Claims 21 Lives

A blaze erupted on Wednesday morning at the Flourish Stay B&B hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area after an electric stove exploded, according to the hotel chef. The fire spread rapidly through the three‑storey building, trapping guests on upper floors. Rescue teams saved dozens, but 21 people died and 28 were injured, many of whom were foreign nationals receiving medical treatment in India.

Police arrested the hotel owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, on charges of illegal construction, operating without a fire safety NOC and causing unintentional homicide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of ₹200,000 to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured. International media outlets from Qatar, the UK, Spain and Germany highlighted the incident, questioning India's building safety standards. A magistrate‑ordered investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and any further violations.