21 Killed In Massive Fire At South Delhi Restaurant

The death toll in a fire in a restaurant in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar has gone up to 21, many of those killed are foreigners, according to officials. 

The blaze reportedly erupted at the Lemon Green Restaurant, where several people were trapped inside.

The Delhi Police had previously reported that 11 individuals had been taken to the hospital for treatment after being rescued from the scene by Delhi Fire Service personnel. "Death toll rises to 10 in Malviya Nagar restaurant fire incident," the Delhi Police reported. Divisional Officer (DO) Ravinder from the Nehru Place (NRN) fire station is on the scene after the incident, according to ANI.

The earlier statement said, "A fire broke out at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar today. Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a call at 09:45 AM. Three people have been rescued from the basement by DFS personnel and rushed to the hospital via CATS Ambulance. Divisional Officer (DO) Ravinder from the Nehru Place (NRN) fire station is on the spot. Further details awaited."

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed grief over the tragedy and offered prayers for the injured parties' quick recovery. The chief minister also stated that rescue and relief efforts were initiated immediately after the incident by the Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services, and other emergency response agencies.

She wrote, "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastating fire incident in Malviya Nagar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength & courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Immediately upon receiving information about the incident, teams of Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency response agencies were mobilised and launched rescue and relief operations. Their swift response helped in rescuing & evacuating several persons from the affected premises."

She added that the situation is being closely monitored and all those affected will be provided medical assistance and support.

It was not immediately known how many individuals were inside the restaurant when the fire started. While determining the extent of the damage, authorities are still conducting search and rescue efforts.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established. To ascertain how the fire began and whether any fire safety infractions or errors led to the tragedy, police and fire department officials have opened an inquiry.

This is a developing story.