At Least 21 Dead in Delhi Hotel Fire; Guests Jump from Windows to Flee Blaze

At least 21 people were killed after a devastating fire swept through a hotel in India’s capital, New Delhi, on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

The blaze erupted around 8:50 a.m. local time at the Flourish Inn Stay hotel in the Malviya Nagar area of southern Delhi. Officials said the fire began in the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant before rapidly spreading through the five-storey building, trapping dozens of occupants in their rooms.

Dramatic videos from the scene showed desperate guests jumping from upper-floor windows to escape thick smoke and flames.

A local resident, Vasim Raja, said he witnessed people leaping from the building and helped rescue several occupants before emergency responders arrived.

“I saw at least two people jump from the windows. We managed to bring seven people out from the basement before rescuers reached the scene,” he said.

Authorities said 47 people were inside the hotel when the fire broke out. Police confirmed that at least 21 people died, including 17 foreign nationals from African and Central Asian countries.

The hotel is known for accommodating patients and families visiting the nearby Max Hospital Saket, a major healthcare facility located close to the property. The hospital said 18 victims were brought there deceased, while 15 injured survivors were receiving treatment, including intensive care.

India has become a major destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from Africa, Central Asia, the Persian Gulf, and other regions due to its relatively affordable healthcare services.

Delhi Police have opened a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against unidentified persons, while investigations into the incident continue.

Preliminary findings by fire officials revealed that the hotel allegedly lacked a valid fire safety certificate. Although the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation, early reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit.

Indian Prime Minister announced compensation of 200,000 rupees for the families of those killed and 50,000 rupees for those injured.

Delhi Chief Minister described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

Authorities have ordered a full investigation into the disaster, one of the deadliest hotel fires in the Indian capital in recent years.