Delhi hotel fire death toll rises to 22 (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The death toll in the devastating Malviya Nagar hotel fire tragedy has climbed to 22 after an injured Nigerian national succumbed to burn injuries during treatment at a Delhi hospital, police said on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Okale, had sustained severe injuries in the massive blaze that broke out at Flourish Stays B&B in the Hauz Rani area of south Delhi on Wednesday morning. He was initially admitted to Max Hospital before being shifted to the burn ward of Safdarjung Hospital after his condition worsened.
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According to police officials, Okale remained on ventilator support and was in critical condition for several days before succumbing late Saturday night. His body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
The fire incident is among the deadliest in Delhi in recent years and claimed the lives of several foreign nationals from countries including Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Congo, Mozambique and Liberia, apart from Indian citizens.
Delhi Police has already arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and the hotel’s cook in connection with the case. Investigators suspect negligence and serious safety violations may have contributed to the tragedy.
According to preliminary findings, the cook’s actions before the fire spread are under scrutiny. Police are examining whether operational lapses and delayed response worsened the situation inside the building. Authorities have booked the owner under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
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Investigators found that the hotel was allegedly operating 25 rooms despite permission for only six rooms. Officials have also flagged poor ventilation, inadequate emergency preparedness and alleged violations of fire safety norms.
Police said rescue operations were hampered because the basement entrance was locked when firefighters arrived at the scene. Fire personnel reportedly had to cut open the entrance to access trapped occupants.
Police teams are also searching for Jay Mishra, an associate of the hotel owner, who has been absconding since the incident. Officials said further arrests and action could follow as the investigation into the deadly fire continues.
