A devastating fire at Lemon Green Restaurant in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives, including 17 foreign nationals from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh. Rescue teams saved 47 people, while 26 remain hospitalized. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation as investigations continue into the deadly blaze.
A devastating fire that engulfed the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning has claimed the lives of 21 people, including 17 foreign nationals, making it one of the deadliest fire incidents reported in the national capital in recent times.
According to Delhi Police, the majority of the foreign victims were citizens of Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and communities across the city, as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (South Delhi) Jitender Kumar confirmed the casualty figures and provided details of the rescue operation. He stated that emergency response teams successfully rescued 47 people from the building. However, despite intensive efforts by firefighters and rescue personnel, 21 people succumbed to their injuries, while 26 others are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
“Our search and rescue operation was completed at 12:12 p.m. A total of 47 people were rescued, of which 21 have died, and 26 are undergoing treatment,” Kumar said.
The fire reportedly spread rapidly through the building, trapping several occupants inside. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people attempted to escape the flames and thick smoke. Some individuals reportedly jumped from upper floors in desperate attempts to save their lives.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, revealed that 13 patients were brought to the hospital following the incident. Among them were three individuals who sustained injuries after falling from heights while trying to escape the burning structure.
The AIIMS Delhi Trauma Centre also reported that 10 Delhi Police personnel were among those admitted for treatment. These officers were part of the first response team that entered the building to rescue trapped occupants despite the dangerous conditions.
Hospital authorities further confirmed that three bodies had been transferred to the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department for further procedures and identification processes.
As news of the tragedy spread, condolences poured in from political leaders across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of each deceased victim.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his grief, stating that the local administration was actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi described the fire as “extremely heartbreaking” and urged Congress workers to assist in relief and rescue activities wherever possible. He expressed solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.
AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal also mourned the deaths and voiced concern over the increasing number of fire-related incidents in Delhi. He emphasized the need for stricter safety measures and enforcement of fire regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Officials are expected to examine the building’s fire safety compliance, emergency exits, and operational permissions. The findings of the probe will be crucial in understanding how the tragedy unfolded and in ensuring accountability.
As families mourn the victims and hospitals continue treating the injured, the Malviya Nagar fire has once again highlighted the urgent need for stringent fire safety standards in commercial establishments across the country.
