Delhi Hotel Fire: Initial Probe Finds Most Victims Died Of Suffocation, Terrace Exit Found Locked
Delhi Hotel Fire: Initial Probe Finds Most Victims Died Of Suffocation, Terrace Exit Found Locked Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 13:34 IST Preliminary
Delhi Hotel Fire: Initial Probe Finds Most Victims Died Of Suffocation, Terrace Exit Found Locked Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 13:34 IST Preliminary probe into the Malviya Nagar hotel fire has found a locked terrace exit and indicates that smoke inhalation, not burns, caused most of the fatalities. New Delhi: Police personnel keep a vigil at the spot a day after a fire at the Flourish Stay B&B killed at least 21 people (Photo: PTI) The investigation into the devastating fire that broke out at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has revealed two crucial findings that are now at the centre of the probe. According to sources, the majority of the victims died due to asphyxiation or suffocation, while investigators have also found that the access route leading to the terrace was blocked and the gate was locked at the time of the incident. The fire, which claimed multiple lives, including those of foreign nationals and a family from Gurugram, has triggered an extensive investigation involving Delhi Police, forensic experts and fire department officials. Authorities are examining whether the building’s internal layout and safety arrangements may have contributed to the high death toll. MAJORITY OF DEATHS CAUSED BY SUFFOCATION: SOURCES According to sources, preliminary findings indicate that most of the victims did not die from burn injuries but succumbed to suffocation caused by the dense smoke that spread through the building.
Investigators are focusing on how smoke moved across different floors and whether occupants had sufficient opportunities to escape once the fire broke out. Among those who died were people staying on the third floor, as well as individuals present in the basement area of the hotel. The finding is considered significant because it points to smoke inhalation as a major factor in the fatalities. Investigators are examining whether the victims were trapped while attempting to find exits or safer locations inside the building. Sources said authorities are studying the sequence of events to determine how quickly smoke filled the premises and whether emergency evacuation routes remained accessible during the fire. The bodies of a family from Gurugram were recovered from a staircase leading to the fourth floor, suggesting that some occupants may have been trying to move upward within the building in search of an escape route when the fire spread. LOCKED TERRACE EXIT COMES UNDER SCRUTINY Another major development in the investigation concerns the terrace access route. According to sources, investigators have found that the route leading to the terrace was blocked and the gate was locked at the time of the fire. The discovery has raised serious questions about whether a potentially critical evacuation route was unavailable to occupants attempting to flee the smoke-filled building.
Sources said the terrace could have served as a refuge point for guests and staff during the emergency. However, with access restricted, people inside the hotel may have been left with fewer options to escape. Investigating agencies are trying to determine who was responsible for keeping the gate locked and whether the blockage violated safety norms. Officials are also examining whether the closure of the terrace route directly affected the ability of occupants to evacuate safely. FORENSIC TEAMS CONTINUE EXAMINATION The investigation is being carried out on multiple fronts, with forensic experts continuing to examine the site. Sources said the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was able to inspect only one floor of the hotel during its previous visit. The team is scheduled to return to the premises for further examination. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) is also expected to conduct a detailed inspection as investigators seek to establish the exact sequence of events and identify the cause of the fire. Officials are relying on forensic evidence, physical inspection of the building and witness testimonies to reconstruct what happened on the night of the tragedy. Delhi Police have deployed multiple teams to investigate the incident and examine possible violations related to the operation of the hotel.
The probe is also looking into various aspects of the building’s infrastructure and safety measures. Investigators are analysing evidence recovered from different parts of the premises and recording statements of individuals connected to the case. 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 04, 2026, 13:34 IST News india Delhi Hotel Fire: Initial Probe Finds Most Victims Died Of Suffocation, Terrace Exit Found Locked 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