Officials in Delhi announced plans for widespread enforcement of fire safety regulations following a fatal hotel fire that claimed 21 lives on Wednesday, according to the chief minister’s office.
The deadly incident occurred at a hotel located in the Malviya Nagar area of Delhi. Among the victims were 12 foreign nationals, with media outlets reporting the fatalities included individuals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia, though Reuters could not independently confirm these details.
According to media reports, the hotel was frequently used by patients receiving treatment at a nearby medical facility and their family members. The fire represents the most deadly such incident in the city since 2022.
Law enforcement officials confirmed they have filed criminal charges and taken the building owner into custody in connection with the tragedy.
In response to the incident, city leadership announced a comprehensive enforcement initiative targeting guest accommodations and other businesses that fail to meet fire safety standards and building regulations. The chief minister’s office stated in a social media post late Wednesday that non-compliant facilities will face closure and those responsible will face legal action.
Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed via social media that the country’s foreign ministry is coordinating with relevant diplomatic missions and providing necessary support services.
