A catastrophic fire in a Delhi commercial building has left 21 dead, including foreign nationals, with Whitehall sources tonight advising British citizens in the Indian capital to exercise 'extreme caution.'
The blaze, which erupted in a four-storey structure in the city's crowded Karol Bagh district, is believed to have started in an electrical substation on the ground floor. Witnesses described a scene of panic as flames surged through the building, trapping victims in upper-floor offices and a budget hotel.
At least three of the dead are reported to be non-Indian: a Nepalese woman, a Bangladeshi man, and a British national whose identity has not yet been officially confirmed. The Foreign Office in London is 'urgently liaising' with Indian authorities, according to a spokesperson who refused to comment on the number of Britons affected.
The Downing Street machine is now cranking into gear. The Prime Minister's principal private secretary is understood to have spoken directly to his counterpart in Delhi. Expect a coordinated consular response.
This tragedy comes at a delicate moment for UK-India relations. Trade talks are stalled. The new British High Commissioner, Lindy Cameron, is still finding her feet. An incident involving British lives will test the diplomatic path.
Backbench pressure is building. Labour's shadow foreign secretary has demanded a full statement in the Commons. A former minister told me this evening: 'This raises serious questions about fire safety standards in commercial properties used by British firms.'
Delhi police have launched a criminal investigation. The building's owner is being questioned. Fire officials admit the structure lacked adequate exits and fire-fighting equipment. 'We had repeatedly flagged violations,' a senior officer claimed, speaking on condition of anonymity.
For Whitehall, the immediate priority is casualty identification and repatriation. But the longer-term politics are already simmering. The British High Commission is compiling a list of affected families. The FCDO crisis response team is on standby.
This is a developing story. Inside the building, investigators are sifting through charred debris. Outside, relatives wait for news. In London, officials are working through the night. The game moves fast. Watch for a ministerial statement on Monday.
