As flames engulfed a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area, the Muslim shopkeeper spread mattresses on the road to help trapped people jump to safety
NEW DELHI — Acts of courage and quick thinking by locals came to the fore during this week’s hotel fire in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area, where shopkeeper Riyazuddin and several young volunteers helped people trapped inside the burning building.
The fire broke out at the Lemon Green Hotel in Malviya Nagar, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. As panic spread and people searched for ways to escape the flames and smoke, locals stepped in to assist rescue efforts alongside police and fire service personnel.
Among those who played a key role was Riyazuddin, who runs a quilt and mattress shop near the hotel. Witnessing people trapped inside the building, he decided to use mattresses from his shop to reduce the risk of serious injuries for those attempting to escape from the upper floors.
According to Riyazuddin, he broke open windows and arranged mattresses from his shop on the road outside the building so that people could jump to safety.
Speaking about his actions, Riyazuddin said, “I spread mattresses worth around two lakh rupees to help save people. I am satisfied that because of those mattresses, several lives were saved and those who jumped suffered only minor injuries.”
Riyazuddin had previously served in Civil Defence, which helped him understand how emergencies should be handled.
“My shop may be empty now, but I am happy that people survived. Human life is more important,” he said.
Residents said that several people trapped inside the hotel were able to jump onto the mattresses placed below, helping them avoid serious injuries during the rescue operation.
According to information shared by local people involved in the rescue, around 45 individuals were brought out of the building safely. Several of them reportedly escaped by jumping onto the mattresses arranged by Riyazuddin, while others were rescued with the help of firefighters, police personnel and local volunteers.
A number of young residents also joined the emergency response efforts. Among those mentioned by locals were Afzal, Mohammad Shahrukh, Mohammad Anees, Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Wasim.
According to those present at the scene, some victims received first aid and CPR before ambulances arrived. Their efforts, residents said, helped stabilise several people affected by smoke inhalation.
Emergency services continued rescue and relief operations for several hours after the fire broke out.
The actions of Riyazuddin and other local volunteers have drawn praise from residents, who described their response as an example of courage, humanity and community spirit during a major emergency.
For many who witnessed the incident, the rescue effort demonstrated how ordinary citizens can make a significant difference during a crisis. As investigations into the fire continue, the role played by locals in helping those trapped inside the building remains one of the most talked-about aspects of the tragedy.
“We only did what anyone should do when people are in danger,” one of the volunteers said. “At that moment, the only thing that mattered was saving lives.”
