On May 3, exactly a month earlier, a devastating fire gutted East Delhi's Vivek Vihar claiming nine lives. And now, in a macabre déjà vu repeat, the national capital has been rocked by another major inferno, this time in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar, where at least 21 people have been killed and several others injured on first count. The latest disaster has once again put the spotlight on fire safety compliance, emergency preparedness and enforcement of building regulations in Delhi.

The fire accident at bed-and-breakfast (B&B) facility in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday, has exposed a disturbing trail of alleged safety violations, trapping dozens of occupants inside a building that officials and witnesses say was ill-equipped to handle an emergency. As conditions deteriorated, desperate scenes unfolded outside the building. Witnesses reported people breaking windows, climbing onto ledges and jumping from upper floors in an attempt to survive. At least 21 people lost their lives and several others remain in critical condition, making it one of the deadliest fire incidents in the capital in recent years. According to Max Healthcare, 39 victims were brought to Max Hospital, Saket. Eighteen were declared brought dead, while 15 were admitted to intensive care, including eight on ventilator support in critical condition, said ANI.

The tragedy unfolded at around 8:48 am at the guest house in Hauz Rani, a locality that frequently accommodates patients and their families visiting nearby hospitals. Some 40 odd people were rescued from the smoke-filled building, but many were unable to escape as flames and toxic smoke rapidly engulfed the structure. Authorities have launched investigations into possible regulatory violations and safety lapses. Investigators and eyewitnesses have pointed to a series of structural deficiencies that may have worsened the disaster. According to India Today, the Delhi Fire Services Chief confirmed that the hotel lacked a fire NOC, stating that the building's structure itself was not compliant with the safety norms required to obtain one. Ground reports indicate there was only one main exit from the building, despite building safety norms requiring multiple escape routes for commercial lodging establishments. Several media reports and local residents said the outer gate was locked when the fire broke out. According to media reports quoting Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sources, the Delhi Tourism Department had approved only six rooms under the bed-and-breakfast scheme. However, the establishment was allegedly functioning with 24 rooms, a figure also reflected on online booking platforms. The building consisted of a basement, ground floor and five upper floors, according to Delhi Fire Services officials.

Delhi Fire Services officer AK Malik said the building was effectively sealed on all sides. “The entire building is like a shaft. It is sealed from all four sides, as even in the front, there is a facade, and the windows are sealed. In buildings like these it often happens that the fire spreads", Malik was quoted saying, in a Hindustan Times report. Survivors and residents described a building with little or no ventilation, a factor that may have accelerated the spread of smoke.