New Delhi (India) June 3: One of Delhi's worst fire disasters in recent years took place on Wednesday as fire broke out in a commercial establishment in south Delhi's Hauz Rani locality of Malviya Nagar which resulted in the deaths of 21 persons and injuries to many. 

Fire is believed to have broken out at about 8.50 am in the basement restaurant, Lemon Green Restaurant, located in the five-storey building known as Flourish Stay B&B which also occupied the Micasa Inn hotel adjoining it. As fire and dense smoke spread through both the buildings, hotel guests and employees were trapped.

LG Orders Month-Long Safety Audit

Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has ordered a month-long fire safety check at all the hotels, nursing homes, coaching institutes, restaurants and other risk-prone commercial establishments to take place from June 4. He chaired a meeting with officials of concerned departments to direct them to ensure strict compliance of the fire safety norms.

Overcrowded rooms, violations of fire safety norms and the use of sealed glass windows and sensor-operated gates which malfunctioned during the fire turned a South Delhi hotel into a death trap on Wednesday as many occupants of the establishment could not escape due to the spreading flames and thick smoke.

Hotel Operated Beyond Licensed Capacity

According to fire officials, despite being issued a B&B (Bed and Breakfast) licence for only six rooms, the five-storey establishment was operating about 25 rooms across the basement, ground and upper floors. They added that the building also did not have a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Mr Abhilash Kumar Malik, Chief Fire Officer, stated that the building had a basement, ground floor and five upper floors, with rooms running on all floors, including the terrace. He further added that the structure's design further contributed to the dilemma of the occupants, with little scope for escape.

Delhi to End Bed and Breakfast Scheme

The Delhi government has decided to withdraw the Bed and Breakfast scheme in its official capacity, and to review all establishments that have been running under it as per the Tourism minister Kapil Mishra.

“We are going to officially withdraw the Bed and Breakfast scheme, and all establishments licensed under it will be checked,” Mishra said to PTI.

“Action would be taken against operators found violating the terms of the licence. If any establishment registered under the scheme is found running more than six rooms, its licence will be cancelled,” he added.