At least 21 people were killed in a fire at a B&B in the Indian capital New Delhi on Wednesday, local police said. More than 40 others were injured. The cause is still unclear.
Source: Indian Express
The fire broke out in the morning at Flourish Stay, a B&B in the south of the city, Delhi police said. “It is with deep sadness that we have to report that 21 people have died in this tragic incident.” More than 40 people have been taken to nearby hospitals. The fire is under control and emergency services are still searching for victims in the building.
There is a restaurant on the ground floor of the B&B. “The fire may have started there,” said local driver Jitendra Kumar. This needs to be determined by further research.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls the incident “tragic” and expresses his condolences to
In addition, Modi announces financial support for victims and relatives. Relatives will receive 2 lakh rupees (more than 1,800 euros) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Injured people receive 50,000 rupees (about 450 euros).
WATCH ALSO. At least 21 dead in New Delhi hotel fire
Wasim Raj, a local resident and eyewitness, tells his story to the Indian newspaper PTI: “The fire broke out just before 9 o’clock. When we got to the hotel, we saw how the entire building was on fire. There is a mattress shop on the corner of the street. We went there to get mattresses to put on the road. This way, people from the higher floors could land safely.”
Sher Khan, another eyewitness, corroborates that story. “I saw a woman jump from the third floor with her child. She probably broke her leg, but she is doing well,” he told Indian news agency ANI.
The fatalities also included African visitors who were in the city for medical treatment, local media report. The B&B was reportedly popular with African visitors coming to Delhi on medical visas. The building is therefore close to three major hospitals.
Michael was also in Delhi at the time for his wife’s treatment. “My wife and I were on our way to the hospital when we heard that the hotel was on fire. Three of my friends who came with us were still inside,” he said. Right now he doesn’t know where they are.
According to Michael, the hotel had only one entrance and exit, which may have delayed the rescue effort.
