The victims include one woman and child who tried to escape the fire by jumping out a window of Hotel Arpit Palace.
New Delhi: A massive fire that broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi’s Karol Bagh area early Tuesday morning claimed at least seventeen lives. The victims also include one woman and a child who tried to escape the fire by jumping out a window. Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg said the death toll could rise. At least nine people have been injured.
According to a report in Indian Express, Garg also said that the entire four-storey hotel, which has 35 rooms, was booked by a family which was in Delhi for a function. At least 25 fire tenders responded to a call at 4.30 am to conduct rescue operations. Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
“Fire in Karol Bagh hotel. 17 causalities 2 injured. Magistrate enquiry ordered. Visible violations of building bye laws, building constructed 6 stories including one temporary floor instead of permissible 4 floors. Ordered fire inspection of buildings in the area,” Delhi Home minister Satynedra jain tweeted.
Fire in Karol Bagh hotel. 17 causalities 2 injured. Magistrate enquiry ordered. Visible violations of building bye laws, building constructed 6 stories including one temporary floor instead of permissible 4 floors. Ordered fire inspection of buildings in the area. pic.twitter.com/5m3HU5nSL0
— Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) February 12, 2019
Satyendar Jain said, “According to building bylaws, buildings cannot be over four-storeys (parking + four storeys) in this area. But I found several constructions across the area in complete violation of the norms. I have ordered the fire department to review all the buildings and submit daily reports starting today. Buildings that have violated the norms will be sealed.” “There are brazen violations here (in this area)”, Jain added.
Most of the people died due to suffocation, added Satyendra Jain.
