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A fire tore through a hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, including several African nationals who had come to India for medical treatment, police said.
The blaze broke out in the morning at Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast in a congested neighbourhood in southern New Delhi, Delhi Police said in a statement.
“It is with profound sorrow that 21 persons have been declared dead in this tragic incident,” the force said.
Rescue and search operations continued, with more than 40 people taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, police added. Eight fire engines eventually brought the blaze under control.
Several of those killed were visitors from African countries who had arrived in the capital for medical treatment, the Indian Express and other local media reported.
India has become a major destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from across Africa, the Middle East and South Asia who seek affordable healthcare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident tragic.
“My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” his office said in a statement on X.
The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 3, 2026
The cause of the fire remained unclear on Wednesday evening.
Building fires are common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment and routine disregard for safety regulations. Electrical short circuits, often caused by poorly maintained wiring, remain the leading cause of fire incidents in the country.
In March, a fire at a government-run hospital in eastern India killed at least 10 critically ill patients.
“All concerned agencies remain deployed at the spot to ensure every possible assistance to those affected,” Delhi Police said.
