New Delhi, June 3 (HS): At least 21 people were killed and more than 40 rescued after a massive fire broke out at the Flourish Stay B&B restaurant in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning, officials said.

Eight fire tenders, assisted by Delhi Police and local residents, brought the blaze under control after an extensive firefighting and rescue operation.

Panic gripped the area for several hours as the fire spread rapidly through the restaurant and adjoining portions of the building, trapping several people inside. Teams from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), Delhi Police, PCR and other disaster management agencies rushed to the spot and launched a large-scale rescue operation.

According to officials, 21 people have been confirmed dead in the incident. More than 40 persons were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities said details regarding the number of injured and their condition are being collected from hospitals.

Firefighters faced considerable challenges during the rescue operation. A fire department official, identified as LFM Yogendra, sustained injuries while attempting to rescue those trapped inside and was provided immediate medical attention. Another officer, STO Manoj, reportedly fell ill during the operation and was relieved from duty.

Senior officials, including the Principal Director of the Fire Department, reached the site to monitor the rescue and search operations. Joint teams of the fire department, police and other agencies conducted a thorough search of the building to ensure that no one remained trapped inside.

Officials said the fire has largely been brought under control, though search operations continue cautiously due to smoke and residual heat inside the structure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. He said the families of those killed would receive Rs 2 lakh each, while the injured would be provided Rs 50,000 each.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said he was deeply distressed by the tragedy and had directed officials to ensure immediate medical assistance, relief measures and a thorough investigation into the incident.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said emergency response agencies, including the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, DDMA and CATS ambulance services, were mobilised immediately after receiving information about the fire. She said the Delhi government was closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary assistance to affected families.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Authorities said a detailed investigation has been initiated.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar