Bangladeshis among 21 killed in Delhi hotel fire

At least 21 people, including Bangladeshi nationals, were killed in a massive fire that ripped through a multi-storey building housing the Flourish Stay B&B in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area early Wednesday morning, officials and sources said.

The blaze broke out around 8:45-8:50am in the basement, reportedly near the kitchen of the Lemon Green Restaurant on the ground floor. Thick smoke quickly engulfed the upper floors where the bed-and-breakfast operated, trapping several occupants. Firefighters rescued more than 40 people, while multiple victims remain hospitalised, with at least eight reported to be on ventilators.

Of the 21 fatalities, 18 were foreign nationals from countries including Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Liberia, Mozambique and Somalia. Three Indian nationals were also among the dead. Many of the victims were medical tourists staying in the area near Max Hospital in Saket for treatment.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as guests attempted to escape through a narrow exit. Locals rushed to help, using blankets and mattresses to break the fall of those jumping from windows.

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi said five Bangladeshi nationals have been identified among the injured. Three are undergoing treatment at Max Hospital in Saket, while two others are being treated at Safdarjung Hospital.