Prime Minister and senior leaders across party lines expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also urged party workers to contribute in every possible way to the relief and rescue operations.
NEW DELHI — At least 21 people were killed, and dozens were injured after a massive fire broke out at the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning, officials said.
So far, 47 people were rescued and taken to the hospital, while a search for others is underway, they added.
Officials said that some people tried to jump from the upper floors of the building to save their lives. The injured have been sent to a nearby hospital. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and rescue services are present at the scene and monitoring the situation.
Upon receiving the information, ten fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene. The fire was soon brought under control. However, the damage was extensive.
Speaking to the reporters, SDM Jitender Kumar said, “I received information in the morning, and teams were instructed to reach the spot immediately. I myself was supposed to go for training, but I left it and came here. It has been found that a restaurant was operating in the basement of the building. The exact cause is not yet known, but most likely the fire started there. The investigation is still underway.”
The search and rescue operations are still ongoing at the site.
Rescue operation underway after a fire broke out in a multi-storied restaurant at Malviya Nagar in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The rescue officials are trying to locate other people possibly trapped on different floors of the building.
“Strict action will be taken against those who are violating the rules. It is necessary to take strict action against them. I will also instruct the concerned department to ensure action is taken against those who are illegally carrying out such activities and running operations under the guise of permissions,” SDM Kumar added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice president of India, Union Minister Amit Shah and opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallickarjun Kharge, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, expressed grief over the unfortunate incident that killed 21 and injured dozens.
PM announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to deceased families
Expressing distress over the tragic Malviya Nagar fire incident Prime Minister Barendra Modi announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased.
The Prime Minister also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and announced assistance of Rs 50,000 for them.
Congress leaders, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed grief over the 21 lives lost in the tragic Delhi fire, calling the tragedy “extremely heartbreaking”. They also appealed to Congress leaders and workers to extend every possible help and support to the victims injured in the blaze and the families of the deceased.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said in a post on X.
He urged the Delhi government and authorities to provide adequate and timely compensation, “including prompt medical care to the victims”.
“I urge Congress workers to extend every possible help and support to the victims in this difficult time,” he added.
Laeader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi called the incident “extremely heartbreaking.”
Taking to X, he said: “I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. I urge all Congress workers to contribute in every possible way to the relief and rescue operations.”
“I hope for the swift recovery of the injured,” Rahul Gandhi said. — With inputs from IANS
