Keypoints:
• At least 21 people killed in a New Delhi hotel fire
• Local media report African visitors among the victims
• More than 40 people rescued and taken to hospital
AT least 21 people have died after a devastating fire swept through a hotel in India’s capital, New Delhi, on Wednesday morning, with local media reporting that several African visitors were among the victims.
According to Delhi Police and reports from AFP, the blaze broke out at the Flourish Stay hotel, a bed-and-breakfast establishment located in a densely populated neighbourhood in the southern part of the city. Emergency services launched a major rescue operation as firefighters worked to contain the flames and evacuate guests from the building.
The incident ranks among the deadliest hotel fires recorded in New Delhi in recent years and has renewed concerns about fire safety standards in India, where poor compliance with building regulations and electrical faults continue to contribute to fatal incidents.
Rescue teams continue operations
Delhi Police confirmed that at least 21 people had been declared dead following the fire.
‘It is with profound sorrow that 21 persons have been declared dead in this tragic incident,’ the force said in a statement.
More than 40 people were rescued from the building and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities said search and rescue operations continued throughout the day as emergency personnel worked to ensure that no occupants remained trapped inside.
Eight fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze, which was eventually brought under control after several hours.
‘All concerned agencies remain deployed at the spot to ensure every possible assistance to those affected,’ police added.
African visitors reported among victims
The Indian Express and other local media outlets reported that several of those killed were visitors from African countries who had travelled to New Delhi for medical treatment.
Indian authorities have not yet released a complete list of victims and have not formally confirmed the nationalities of those who died.
India has become a major destination for medical tourism, attracting thousands of patients from across Africa seeking specialist healthcare services, advanced medical procedures and comparatively affordable treatment options.
Industry estimates indicate that thousands of African patients travel to India annually for specialised treatment, particularly in cardiology, oncology and orthopaedic care.
The presence of African visitors among the victims is likely to draw attention across the continent, where India remains one of the most popular destinations for overseas medical care.
Modi expresses condolences
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as tragic and extended condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones.
In a statement posted by his office on social media platform X, Modi expressed sympathy for those affected by the disaster and wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
The Prime Minister’s office said the government was closely monitoring the situation as emergency responders continued operations at the scene.
Cause of fire under investigation
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, although officials have not yet determined what triggered the fire.
Investigators are expected to examine the building’s infrastructure, electrical systems and compliance with safety regulations as part of the inquiry.
Electrical short circuits caused by ageing or poorly maintained wiring remain one of the leading causes of fires across India, according to fire safety experts.
Officials have not indicated whether the hotel had recently undergone safety inspections or whether any violations had previously been identified.
Safety concerns return to spotlight
The fire follows another fatal incident in India earlier this year. In March, at least 10 critically ill patients died after a blaze broke out at a government-run hospital in eastern India.
Fire safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of building codes, improved emergency preparedness and regular inspections of hotels, hospitals and residential buildings.
As investigators work to establish what caused Wednesday’s blaze, attention is expected to focus on whether adequate safety measures were in place at the hotel and whether existing regulations were properly enforced.
Authorities said investigations would continue in the coming days as officials seek to determine the cause of the fire and whether any safety violations contributed to the loss of life.
