Massive fire at Delhi restaurant kills at least 20, PM Modi announces aid

At least 20 people were killed after a massive fire broke out in the basement of a restaurant in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning.

The blaze erupted around 8.50 am at Lemon Green Restaurant, prompting authorities to rush multiple fire tenders and emergency response teams to the spot.

Several rescued

According to officials, several people were rescued from the building during the firefighting operation. It is believed that nearly 40 people were inside the premises when the fire broke out.

An official said that two water tenders, two water bowsers, a quick-response vehicle and other firefighting units were immediately deployed after the distress call was received.

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Firefighters launched rescue and evacuation efforts as thick smoke engulfed parts of the building.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation to ascertain how the blaze started.

Located in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, the hotel had nearly 25 rooms and a restaurant operating in the basement. According to local residents, around 40 guests were staying at the property, most of them foreign nationals who had travelled to India for medical treatment.

Chef recalls terrifying moments

Kesar Singh, a chef at the hotel’s restaurant, recounted the moments leading up to the fire.

He said the incident began around 8 am when he tried to switch on an electric stove in the basement kitchen.

"I immediately alerted my assistant that the hotel was on fire," he told NDTV. "When I stepped outside, I saw that the entire hotel was on fire. I somehow managed to escape," Negi said.

Several guests were reportedly trapped inside as thick smoke spread through the hotel. Emergency teams later launched rescue and evacuation efforts at the site.

PM Modi announces compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss of lives in the incident as "tragic" and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.

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"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," his office posted on X.

The Prime Minister also announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Delhi government monitoring situation

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy.

"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," she wrote on X.

Gupta said teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency agencies were immediately mobilised after the incident was reported.

"Their swift response helped in rescuing & evacuating several persons from the affected premises," she added.

She also said the Delhi government was closely monitoring the situation and ensuring medical assistance and support for the affected families.