New Delhi: At least 20 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire swept through a hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Tuesday morning, triggering a major rescue operation and scenes of panic as guests jumped from upper floors to save themselves.
The blaze erupted around 8:50 am at Micasa Inn, a five-storey hotel located in the congested Hauz Rani area. Fire officials said multiple firefighting units were rushed to the spot after receiving a distress call, and rescue teams worked for hours to evacuate those trapped inside.
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According to authorities, nearly 40 people were believed to be inside the building when the fire broke out. Many of them were reportedly asleep, making evacuation difficult as thick smoke quickly spread through the premises.
Fire department officials deployed two water tenders, two water bowsers, a quick-response vehicle and additional firefighting equipment to contain the blaze and carry out rescue operations.
Dramatic visuals from the scene showed desperate guests leaping from windows and balconies as flames engulfed parts of the building. In one video, two women were seen jumping from the hotel in an attempt to escape the intense heat and smoke.
Several injured victims were shifted to hospitals, including Max Hospital in Saket and the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where they are undergoing treatment.
Local residents said the hotel had around 25 rooms and was frequently used by foreign visitors travelling to Delhi for medical treatment. A restaurant operated from the basement, where officials suspect the fire may have originated, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Kesar Singh, a chef working at the hotel’s basement restaurant, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the disaster. He said he was preparing to start work when he noticed flames.
“It was around 8 am when I tried to switch on an electric stove. Suddenly, I saw flames and realised a fire had already spread inside the building,” he said.
“I immediately alerted my assistant that the hotel was on fire. When I stepped outside, I saw the entire building engulfed in flames. Somehow, I managed to escape,” he added.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and whether the hotel complied with mandatory fire safety norms. Rescue and cooling operations continued at the site as officials assessed the extent of the damage.
The death toll is expected to be updated as rescue teams complete a room-by-room search of the building.
