A fire in a commercial building in central Delhi has killed at least 21 people, including several foreign nationals, Indian authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of the morning, has prompted the United Kingdom to issue a travel warning for its citizens in the Indian capital.
The fire is believed to have started on the lower floors of a six-storey building in the Karol Bagh district, a densely packed area of shops and residential apartments. Emergency services responded within minutes, but the rapid spread of flames and thick smoke hampered rescue efforts. At least 15 people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition.
Among the dead are nationals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and one British citizen, according to the Delhi Police. The British High Commission in New Delhi confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family of the deceased. The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for India, warning of “ongoing risks from fire safety standards in commercial and residential buildings in Delhi.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but initial reports suggest an electrical short circuit on the ground floor may have ignited combustible materials. The building housed a textile workshop, a restaurant, and several rented rooms. Fire safety officials noted that the structure lacked proper emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a compensation package of 1 million rupees (£9,500) for the families of the deceased and ordered a thorough inquiry. “This is a tragic incident that should never have happened,” Kejriwal said in a statement. “We will ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
The incident has renewed concerns about fire safety in Indian cities, where overcrowded buildings often flout regulations. A similar fire in a Delhi factory in 2019 killed 43 people, leading to a crackdown on unsafe premises, but enforcement remains patchy.
The UK travel warning highlights the risks: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in India. There is a higher risk in crowded public places. You should be vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.” It also advises British nationals to ensure their accommodation meets fire safety standards.
International condemnation has been swift. The United Nations expressed condolences, and the Nepalese and Bangladeshi governments confirmed they were working to repatriate the remains of their citizens. The incident is expected to feature in bilateral discussions between India and the UK during the upcoming G20 meetings.
Delhi Police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against the building owner, who is currently absconding. A manhunt is under way. As investigations continue, the death toll may rise, with several victims still unidentified.
For now, the focus remains on the grieving families and the broader question of urban safety in India’s capital. The fire serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life in a city where building standards often lag behind economic growth.
