The death toll from a devastating fire at the Flourish Stays bed and breakfast (B&B) facility in Malviya Nagar’s Hauz Rani area of South Delhi, India, has risen to 22 following the death of a Nigerian national who was injured in the incident.
The victim, described by police as a middle-aged man, had been receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital after sustaining severe burn injuries. He later succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, bringing the number of foreign nationals killed in the blaze to 13.
The fire reportedly broke out at the hotel earlier in the week, prompting emergency rescue operations and investigations into the cause of the incident. Authorities say several hotel staff members were present at the time of the blaze.
Delhi Police have intensified efforts to locate two hotel officials identified as the accountant, Jay Mishra, and the manager, Rakesh, while the hotel’s owner and cook have already been arrested in connection with the incident.
According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest the fire may have started in the kitchen after sparks were noticed in an air fryer, which allegedly triggered a heat blast. However, authorities are still working to establish the exact cause and determine possible negligence.
Police also allege that one of the staff members left the premises without alerting others or contacting emergency services, a factor they say may have worsened the scale of the tragedy.
The Nigerian Embassy in India has been informed of the death and is expected to follow up on consular arrangements.
The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of safety standards in hospitality facilities in the area, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire and response efforts.