Delhi hotel fire: How years of safety violations turned Flourish Stay into a death trap

Authorities are now examining how a property reportedly permitted to operate only a handful of rooms eventually grew into a 25-room hotel without meeting mandatory safety requirements.

From homestay to full-fledged hotel

The origins of the controversy trace back to the homestay scheme introduced ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The initiative allowed homeowners to rent out up to five rooms and accommodate a maximum of 10 guests.

However, as medical tourism expanded in Delhi over the years, many such establishments gradually evolved into commercial hospitality businesses.

According to local residents, Flourish Stay was one such property that expanded far beyond its original scope.

Residents alleged that the hotel's owner operated multiple similar establishments in the area and that several properties routinely ignored prescribed safety norms and building regulations.

No escape route for guests

One of the most serious concerns highlighted by investigators is the hotel's alleged lack of adequate emergency exits.

The building reportedly had only a single entry and exit point. Once flames and smoke engulfed the structure, many guests found themselves trapped with no alternate escape route.

Videos from the scene showed desperate guests jumping from windows to save themselves. Several sustained serious injuries while attempting to escape.

Rescue personnel who entered the building also discovered rooms operating in the basement, where several foreign nationals had reportedly been staying. Firefighters were forced to break open doors to reach trapped occupants, but some victims succumbed to smoke inhalation before they could be rescued.

Fire safety clearances missing

Preliminary findings by the Fire Department point to major fire safety violations.

Officials said the hotel did not possess a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), despite the building reportedly exceeding 15 metres in height — a category that requires mandatory fire safety clearance under existing regulations.

Investigators are also examining allegations that additional floors were constructed without the required approvals.

NDTV, quoting sources, reported that the owner had applied for a trade licence but allegedly failed to submit complete building plans to the authorities.

Photo: Screen-grab from X

The Building Department was expected to share those plans with the Fire Department for safety clearance, but officials reportedly never received the necessary documents.

Hotel operated far beyond approved capacity

According to reports, the establishment was operating 25 rooms despite permissions allegedly being granted for only a fraction of that number.

At the time of the fire, around 40 guests were staying at the hotel. Twenty-one people lost their lives in what has become one of Delhi's deadliest hotel fires in recent years.

Investigators are now trying to determine whether unauthorised construction and overcrowding played a role in hampering evacuation efforts.

Fire spread to adjacent building

The blaze is believed to have originated in the hotel's restaurant before rapidly spreading through the building and reaching a neighbouring property, Micasa Inn.

As emergency services battled the fire, mattresses were placed on the ground outside to help cushion the fall of guests attempting to escape from upper floors.

Several dramatic videos from the scene captured the panic as trapped occupants searched for ways to flee the burning structure.

Government monitoring probe

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the state government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring support for those affected.

"All necessary medical assistance and support are being extended to the affected families. In this hour of grief, the Delhi Government stands firmly with the affected families. We remain committed to providing every possible support to those impacted by this tragedy," she said.

As investigators continue their probe, questions are mounting over how alleged safety violations, unauthorised expansion and missing clearances went unchecked for years before culminating in a disaster that claimed 21 lives.