A devastating fire at the Lemon Green Restaurant in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, has claimed at least 20 lives and left dozens injured, prompting messages of condolence and concern from top government leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, triggering large-scale rescue operations as emergency services rushed to the multi-storied building.

According to officials, the fire broke out suddenly and spread rapidly through the restaurant complex, trapping several people inside. At least 37 individuals were rescued from the building and shifted to nearby hospitals, while search and rescue operations continued to ensure no one remained trapped. Authorities said multiple fire tenders were deployed immediately after the alert was received, and the blaze was eventually brought under control, although not before causing extensive damage.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and assured that the injured were receiving the best possible medical care. He said the local administration was actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts and extended condolences to the families of the victims, praying for strength for those affected by the tragedy.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. In his message, he wished a speedy recovery for those injured and expressed solidarity with all those affected by the fire. The statements from both senior leaders highlighted the seriousness of the incident and the government’s focus on emergency response and medical support.

Eyewitness accounts and early reports suggest that several people attempted to escape the flames by jumping from the upper floors of the building in desperation. Emergency responders have confirmed that some of the injured are in critical condition. The structure sustained significant damage due to the intensity of the fire, raising concerns about safety standards in commercial establishments operating in densely populated urban areas.

Rescue teams, including personnel from the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services, and other emergency agencies, remain deployed at the site as search operations continue. Officials are working to determine the cause of the fire while also ensuring that all possible victims are accounted for. The tragedy has once again drawn attention to fire safety enforcement in the capital’s commercial buildings.

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