Delhi Hotel Fire Probe Finds Property Operated 25 Rooms Against Approved Six
Probe uncovers major safety and licensing violations.
A devastating fire at Flourish Stay B&B in South Delhi's Hauz Rani area claimed the lives of at least 21 people on Wednesday, exposing what authorities believe were serious violations of safety and licensing regulations. Preliminary findings indicate that the establishment was operating far beyond the limits permitted under its government-issued licence. The tragedy has once again raised concerns about regulatory oversight and adherence to safety norms in commercial accommodations across the capital.
According to sources, the property had been granted permission under the Delhi government's Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme, which allows a maximum of six guest rooms. However, investigations have revealed that the facility was allegedly operating as many as 25 rooms, including accommodations in the basement. Officials suspect that this significant deviation from approved norms may have contributed to the scale of the disaster, making evacuation more difficult when the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning.
The hotel was reportedly hosting around 40 guests at the time of the incident, many of whom were asleep when flames rapidly engulfed the building. Situated in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, near one of Delhi's leading private hospitals, the establishment was known to accommodate foreign visitors seeking medical treatment in the city. Authorities have indicated that a large number of those killed in the fire were foreign nationals, further highlighting the international impact of the tragedy.
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Investigators have also identified additional safety concerns at the property. Delhi Police stated that the hotel had only a single entry and exit point despite housing a large number of rooms and guests. Such a limitation could have severely restricted escape routes during the emergency. Officials are examining whether all operational and safety requirements were being followed and whether any lapses by the management contributed to the high death toll.
While sources indicated that the hotel may have possessed the necessary fire safety clearances, authorities are continuing to verify the validity and scope of those approvals. The investigation is expected to determine whether the establishment remained compliant with safety regulations after expanding beyond its licensed capacity. Questions are also being raised about how the alleged violations went undetected despite the property's apparent large-scale operations.
Videos from the scene captured the desperation of those trapped inside the building as thick smoke and flames spread through the structure. In one dramatic sequence, two women were seen jumping from the upper floors in an attempt to escape the blaze. Local residents rushed to assist survivors, placing mattresses on the road below and helping those who managed to flee. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the tragedy has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building and fire safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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