Tragic Fire in Delhi Claims 21 Lives; Building Owner Arrested

In a heartbreaking incident in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, a fire at a multi-storey bed-and-breakfast has resulted in the loss of 21 lives, prompting immediate action from the authorities. Lovkesh Bajaj, the owner of the establishment known as Flourish Stays, has been arrested by the Delhi Police following the tragic event that unfolded earlier this week.

The fire broke out in the wee hours at Flourish Stays, a five-storey facility that was reportedly operating with far more accommodations than allowed. With 26 rooms, the building had over four times the maximum permissible capacity of six rooms, indicating a serious breach of safety regulations. The tragedy has raised urgent questions about compliance with fire safety norms, particularly in densely populated areas of the capital.

Among the victims were ten Indian nationals, nine individuals from various African countries, and two citizens from Turkmenistan. Many of the deceased were believed to be medical tourists who had come to India for treatment, or were accompanying patients seeking care. The narrow lane where the establishment is located, near Max Hospital in Saket, further complicated evacuation efforts, with only one entry and exit point available for residents and guests.

Reports indicate that the building lacked a No-Objection Certificate from the Fire Department, a crucial document that ensures compliance with safety standards. Following the incident, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bajaj, invoking charges of culpable homicide, and further investigations are underway to ascertain the full extent of negligence involved.

This incident is not an isolated one; it follows a series of tragedies in South Delhi over the past week, collectively claiming more than 20 lives. The recurring theme in these incidents highlights rampant violations of building codes and safety regulations in the capital. Critics argue that authorities often respond only after such catastrophic events, rather than proactively enforcing regulations to prevent them. As the investigation unfolds, there are calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures to ensure that such a disaster does not happen again.

Source: scroll.in