Delhi fire tragedy: Probe reveals major safety lapses; permission for 6 rooms, but expanded to 25
Delhi fire tragedy: A major fire at Flourish Stay B&B in South Delhi's Hauz Rani area claimed at least 21 lives on Wednesday morning, exposing serious safety violations at the property.
Preliminary information suggests that the guest house was operating far beyond the limits permitted under the Delhi government's Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme. While the licence reportedly allowed only six rooms, the establishment had expanded to around 25 rooms, including some in the basement.
The building, located in a narrow lane near a prominent private hospital, was popular among foreign visitors who came to Delhi for medical treatment. Reports indicate that around 40 guests were staying at the property when the fire broke out. Many were asleep and had little time to react as flames quickly spread through the building.
Most of those who lost their lives are believed to be foreign nationals.
Police officials said the building had only one entry and exit point despite accommodating a large number of guests. Investigators are also examining whether the property had the required fire safety clearance.
Videos from the scene showed panic-stricken guests trying to escape the blaze. In one such incident, two women jumped from the upper floors of the building to save themselves from the fire. Local residents rushed to help them and placed mattresses on the road to reduce the impact of the fall.
The tragedy has once again raised questions about safety violations, poor enforcement of regulations and the lack of adequate monitoring of commercial establishments operating in residential areas.
- With inputs from agencies
