Devastating fire in Delhi Lemon Green restaurant in Malviya Nagar claims 21 lives, many injured, 47 rescued; PM Modi expresses grief
A fire has been reported at a restaurant named 'Lemon Green' in the Malviya Nagar area of Delhi.
Reports suggest that more than 10 people have lost their lives in this incident. However, according to some media reports 21 people have died. The administration has so far confirmed the recovery of four bodies. Local BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay also confirmed 21 deaths. He said., "21 people have died, while 47 people have been rescued."
The deceased include citizens from Central Asian and African countries; however, the exact number of foreign nationals involved remains unknown.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority in South Delhi confirmed the recovery of four bodies in connection with the incident. He also noted that 7 to 8 people sustained injuries.
According to the Delhi Fire Service and local residents, the fire broke out at the Lemon Green restaurant in Malviya Nagar at 8:50 AM. The flames subsequently spread to 'Hotel Flourish Stay,' located on the floors above the restaurant. Additionally, more than six people were evacuated from the basement.
Several people jumped from the burning building
Videos of the incident show several people jumping from the burning building in an attempt to save their lives. Local residents had placed mattresses on the ground to cushion their fall and assist in their rescue. So far, 37 people have been rescued. Several of the survivors are reported to be in critical condition.
The exact cause of the fire at this Delhi hotel has not yet been determined. Over the past six months, 66 people have lost their lives in various fire-related incidents across Delhi.
Jitendra Kumar, the SDM of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority in South Delhi, stated, "A restaurant was operating on the ground floor of the building, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. It is highly probable that the fire originated in the restaurant and subsequently engulfed the building. We do not have precise details at this moment, but four bodies have been recovered so far. Seven to eight injured individuals have been transported to the hospital."
PM Modi expresses grief, announces assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, as tragic. He extended his heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He noted that authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.
The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. Shri Modi also stated that Rs. 50,000 would be provided to those who sustained injuries in the incident.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
"The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi"