A massive fire at a bed-and-breakfast establishment in Delhi's Malviya Nagar claimed at least 21 lives on Wednesday, while several others suffered injuries. Authorities suspect that a short circuit may have caused the blaze.

Officials fear the death toll could rise further as rescue and investigation efforts continue. Among those killed were at least 18 foreign nationals, making the tragedy one of the deadliest hotel-related fire incidents in the capital in recent years.

The incident has prompted immediate action from the Delhi government, which has ordered large-scale inspections of hotels and other commercial establishments across the city.

Foreign Nationals Among Victims

According to officials familiar with the matter, at least 18 of the deceased were foreign nationals.

The victims reportedly belonged to several countries, including nations in Africa, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it is in contact with the concerned embassies and is providing necessary assistance.

Hotel Under Investigation

The fire broke out at Flourish Stay BnB, which is now under scrutiny for alleged violations of safety regulations.

Officials said the property reportedly lacked mandatory fire safety clearance.

According to preliminary findings, the building originally consisted of a ground floor and one upper floor. At that stage, fire clearance was not required under existing rules.

However, six to seven years later, additional floors were allegedly added without informing the relevant authorities.

Investigators also found that the establishment had permission to operate only six rooms under government regulations. Despite that, it was reportedly running 24 rooms.

Police Register FIR

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident. Authorities filed an FIR under charges of culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Investigators have launched a search for those responsible. Officials identified the building owner as Lavkesh Bajaj. They said the tourism department licence for the property was issued in the name of Jai Mishra.

LG Orders Month-Long Fire Safety Drive

Following the tragedy, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu ordered a month-long campaign to check fire safety compliance across the city.

The inspections will cover hotels, nursing homes, coaching institutes, restaurants and other commercial establishments considered vulnerable to fire hazards.

Sandhu chaired a meeting with senior officials and directed departments to begin inspections from June 4. He instructed authorities to ensure strict compliance with fire safety regulations.

Home Minister Orders Inspection of BnBs

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood also ordered a city-wide enforcement drive targeting bed-and-breakfast establishments. Under his directions, the Delhi Fire Services and the Power Department will carry out physical inspections of all registered and suspected BnB properties.

Officials will verify whether these establishments comply with safety norms and licensing requirements.

AAP Criticises BJP Government

The tragedy quickly sparked a political debate. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticised the BJP-led administration over the incident. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal expressed concern over the repeated occurrence of such incidents in Delhi. He said the “repeated fire incidents in Delhi and the deaths of innocent people are extremely worrying”.

Kejriwal also prayed for the “souls of those who lost their lives.”

Chief Minister Seeks Detailed Report

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said authorities are closely monitoring the situation. She assured that the government would take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.

The chief minister has also sought a detailed report from the South Delhi district magistrate regarding the fire and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Focus Shifts to Accountability

As investigators examine the cause of the fire and alleged violations at the property, attention has shifted to accountability and enforcement. The incident has raised fresh concerns about fire safety standards in commercial establishments across Delhi, particularly those operating without proper approvals or safety clearances.

Authorities are now expected to intensify inspections and take action against establishments that fail to comply with safety regulations.