A devastating fire tore through the multi-storey Lemon Green restaurant in Delhi's Hauz Rani area on Wednesday morning, killing at least 21 people, including foreign nationals, and leaving dozens injured in one of the city's deadliest recent fire tragedies.
The blaze erupted at approximately 8:30 a.m. and is suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit in the restaurant's kitchen. Within minutes, thick smoke engulfed the building, creating panic among customers and staff as flames rapidly spread through the structure.
Emergency response teams launched an extensive rescue operation amid chaotic conditions. Despite the dense smoke and challenging circumstances, rescuers successfully evacuated 37 people from the building. However, at least 21 individuals lost their lives in the incident, while dozens of others sustained injuries and were rushed for medical treatment.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire and are examining potential safety violations at the establishment. Officials are also scrutinizing reports that the building was operating beyond its permitted occupancy capacity, raising concerns over compliance with fire safety regulations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and extended support to those affected by the tragedy. Other leaders and officials also conveyed their sympathies as emergency and administrative agencies continued relief and assessment efforts.
The disaster has once again drawn attention to fire safety standards in the national capital, particularly following a series of deadly fire incidents in recent years. As investigators work to determine the exact circumstances behind the blaze, questions surrounding safety enforcement and regulatory compliance remain at the forefront of public concern.
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