'People Jumped From Upper Floors': Eyewitness Recounts Horror After Massive Delhi Hotel Fire Kills 21
'People Jumped From Upper Floors': Eyewitness Recounts Horror After Massive Delhi Hotel Fire Kills 21 Published By, Last Updated: June 03, 2026, 13:08 IST Eyewitnesses
'People Jumped From Upper Floors': Eyewitness Recounts Horror After Massive Delhi Hotel Fire Kills 21 Published By, Last Updated: June 03, 2026, 13:08 IST Eyewitnesses recalled people jumping from upper floors and suffering fractures as a massive fire at Delhi’s Lemon Green Restaurant killed at least 21 people. New Delhi: Security and health officials at the site after a fire broke out in a restaurant in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar (Photo: PTI) At least 21 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire tore through a multi-storied restaurant building in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning, with eyewitnesses recounting scenes of panic as people allegedly jumped from upper floors to escape the blaze. According to officials, the fire broke out at the Lemon Green Restaurant in the Hauz Rani area of South Delhi. Firefighters and rescue teams rushed to the spot after the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received a call about the blaze at around 9.45 am. Officials later said the fire had erupted around 8.50 am. Residents in the area described chaotic moments as flames rapidly engulfed the building and trapped occupants desperately searched for a way out.
A resident, Om, said he witnessed several people jumping from the building amid the raging fire. “At around 9.30, we saw there was a very intense fire here. My friend and I were on a scooter at that time, the entire fire was raging, and people were jumping from the building from here and there. We saw about five people jumping," he said. “One person also broke their leg. The entire road was blocked here. There was a crowd," he added. Another eyewitness, Sher Khan, said the fire initially appeared small before intensifying rapidly and leaving people with little chance of escape. “I was going to the shop in the morning. There was a small fire here at first, then it kept increasing. As the fire increased, it seemed as if there was no way to jump from here," he said. According to him, residents tried to help those trapped inside by spreading mattresses on the ground. “People spread mattresses, and some from the third floor jumped on it with a little kid. She was saying that she fractured her leg. The public made a lot of effort.
However, the situation becomes intense as time passes," Khan said. Officials said at least 37 people were rescued from the basement and other parts of the building and shifted to hospitals through CATS ambulances. Delhi Police said 11 injured individuals were initially evacuated and admitted for treatment, while doctors were assessing their condition. A senior fire official said 10 fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, which was later brought under control after an extensive firefighting operation. However, rescue and search operations continued as teams combed through the building for possible survivors. According to PTI, several of the deceased were foreign nationals from Central Asia and Africa. The fire reportedly spread quickly from the Lemon Green Restaurant to a nearby eatery, worsening the situation. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jitender Kumar said authorities suspect the fire may have started in the basement where the restaurant was operating, though the exact cause was still under investigation. “It has been found that a restaurant was operating in the basement of the building. The exact cause is not yet known, but most likely the fire started there.
The investigation is still underway," he said. Kumar also warned of strict action against those violating safety norms. “Strict action will be taken against those who are violating the rules… action is taken against those who are illegally carrying out such activities and running operations under the guise of permissions," he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: June 03, 2026, 13:07 IST News india 'People Jumped From Upper Floors': Eyewitness Recounts Horror After Massive Delhi Hotel Fire Kills 21 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
The BriefWire