Delhi Hotel Fire Tragedy: 21 Dead, Dozens Injured in Massive Blaze at Malviya Nagar Restaurant Building

At least 21 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire engulfed a multi-storeyed restaurant building in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning, triggering a large-scale rescue operation by the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), police and emergency teams.

The blaze broke out at the Lemon Green Restaurant building in Hauz Rani and rapidly spread through the structure, trapping dozens of people inside. Among the victims were a woman and a child who reportedly jumped from the terrace in a desperate attempt to escape the flames and thick smoke. Videos circulating on social media captured the panic and chaos as occupants struggled to flee the burning building.

Visuals from the scene showed firefighters, police personnel and local residents working together to rescue those trapped. Several victims were carried out of the building and rushed to hospitals in ambulances as emergency responders battled the blaze.

Fire Broke Out Around 8:50 AM

According to the Delhi Fire Service, a distress call was received at around 9:45 a.m., although officials believe the fire started at approximately 8:50 a.m. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Nehru Place fire station.

At least 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. In the initial phase of the operation, firefighters rescued three people from the basement of the restaurant and shifted them to hospitals through CATS ambulances.

37 People Rescued

Authorities said around 37 people were rescued from the building during the operation.

"Approximately 37 people have been rescued so far in the Malviya Nagar fire incident. Search operations continue under the supervision of the Principal Director. One officer sustained injuries during the operation, while another fell unwell," the Delhi Fire Service said.

Delhi Police confirmed that multiple injured persons were evacuated and admitted to hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams continued searching the premises for several hours after the fire was brought under control to ensure no one remained trapped inside.

Officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

PM Announces Ex-Gratia Relief

Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured.

Congress Leaders Express Condolences

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the incident as deeply saddening and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

"My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said, urging authorities to provide adequate compensation and medical assistance.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi termed the tragedy "extremely heartbreaking" and appealed to Congress workers to assist in relief and rescue efforts.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed grief over the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and other emergency agencies remained at the site throughout the day, overseeing rescue, relief and investigation efforts into one of the deadliest fire incidents reported in the national capital in recent years.