New Delhi, June 3: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the devastating fire tragedy in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area that claimed 21 lives and left several others injured.Describing the incident as “extremely heartbreaking,” Gandhi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged Congress workers to actively assist in ongoing relief and rescue efforts.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, “The news of the deaths of several people in the fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is extremely heartbreaking. 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.”
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also mourned the loss of lives and expressed solidarity with the affected families. In her message, she said she was deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident and prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the families coping with the immense loss. She also wished a speedy and complete recovery to those injured in the blaze.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar likewise expressed sorrow over the tragedy, describing the incident as deeply distressing and extending condolences to the families of the victims.
According to officials at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 13 injured persons were brought to the hospital following the incident. Three of them sustained critical injuries after jumping from upper floors while attempting to escape the flames. Officials said that 28 other rescued individuals were admitted to Max Hospital and Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital for treatment.
The massive fire broke out at a hotel-cum-guest house in the Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people while more than 40 others were rescued. Delhi Police said that over 15 foreign nationals were among those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos and panic as flames rapidly engulfed the multi-storey building. Several occupants reportedly jumped from upper floors in desperate attempts to save themselves.
A local resident, Sher Khan, said the fire initially appeared minor but spread rapidly throughout the building. According to him, members of the public rushed to assist trapped occupants by placing mattresses on the ground to cushion their fall. He said several people, including a child, jumped from upper floors as the situation worsened.
Another eyewitness, identified as Om, said he witnessed people leaping from different sides of the building as the fire intensified. He noted that the entire structure was engulfed in flames and the road was crowded with emergency responders and onlookers.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, while rescue and relief operations continued throughout the day.