Illegal rooms, single entry-exit point, no fire NOC: How safety violations caused Delhi fire horror? Check here

A deadly fire at a Delhi B&B killed 21 people and exposed major safety lapses, including a single exit, no fire NOC, and overcapacity violations. Many victims died due to suffocation in the blaze.

New Delhi: A massive fire at a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) property in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area has claimed 21 lives and left more than 40 people injured. The incident took place at Flourish Stay B&B in the congested Hauz Rani locality, raising serious concerns over fire safety compliance and building violations.

Officials said most of the deceased were foreign nationals from Central Asia and Africa. Several of the injured remain in critical condition, with authorities warning that the death toll may rise.

 

Single Exit and Fire Safety Lapses Under Scrutiny

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the building had only one common entry and exit point, significantly hampering evacuation efforts during the fire. The structure, which includes a basement, ground floor and five upper floors, was also reportedly operating without a valid fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Police sources indicated that the property was licensed under the B&B category for only six rooms but was allegedly running nearly 25 rooms, far exceeding permitted capacity. Officials also suspect that illegal rooms were being operated in the basement.

Fire Origin and Possible Cylinder Blast

The fire reportedly broke out around 8:45 am, initially believed to have started at a nearby eatery but later confirmed to have originated within the B&B premises. While the exact cause is still under investigation, a hospital statement cited a possible cylinder blast as the trigger.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the blaze began on the first floor and spread rapidly through the building, trapping several occupants inside.

Victims Died Due to Suffocation

Preliminary findings indicate that many victims likely died due to suffocation, particularly those trapped in enclosed areas such as the basement. The rapid spread of smoke in a congested structure worsened the situation.

Police Case and Ongoing Investigation

Delhi Police are preparing to register a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder along with other relevant charges. Investigators are also examining whether adequate fire safety equipment was installed and functional at the time of the incident.

Authorities continue to probe regulatory lapses and possible violations that may have contributed to the scale of the tragedy.