Florist Inn Hotel Fire in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar Claims 21 Lives, Most Victims Foreign Patients and Attendants

According to information from sources, the hotel is located close to Max Super Speciality Hospital, one of Delhi’s leading medical centres. A majority of the guests were either seeking treatment at the hospital or were attendants of admitted patients staying in the hotel due to its proximity to medical facilities.

The fire reportedly started at around 8:50 am in the restaurant area of the hotel, which was situated in the basement of a five-storey structure. Officials stated that emergency response was swift, with two fire engines, two water bowsers, a quick response vehicle, and additional firefighting units dispatched immediately after the distress call was received from the bed and breakfast establishment. Rescue operations led to the evacuation of more than 40 people from the premises.

The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Kesar Singh, a chef employed at the hotel, recounted the moment the fire was first noticed, stating that it became apparent when he attempted to switch on an electric stove. “When I tried to light it, the fire suddenly broke out. I found out that the fire was already burning in the hotel. I immediately told my assistant that the hotel was on fire. When I came out, I saw that the hotel was burning. I somehow managed to escape from there,” he said.

Visual evidence from the scene showed intense flames and thick smoke engulfing the building as firefighting teams continued rescue and containment efforts. The fire also spread to a neighbouring property identified as Micasa Inn, intensifying the scale of destruction in the area.

Delhi Police confirmed that the hotel had only one entry and exit point, significantly complicating evacuation efforts during the emergency.

Preliminary findings indicate that the hotel was operating under a Bed and Breakfast licence issued by the Delhi administration, which permitted only six rooms. However, authorities noted that the establishment was allegedly functioning with 25 rooms, including accommodations in the basement, in violation of its approved capacity.

The incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety compliance and regulatory enforcement in densely packed hospitality establishments operating near major medical hubs.