Unattended Oil Fryer, Gas Leak, 30-Minute Delay: Fresh Clues Raise Questions In Delhi Hotel Fire Probe
Unattended Oil Fryer, Gas Leak, 30-Minute Delay: Fresh Clues Raise Questions In Delhi Hotel Fire Probe Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 07:18 IST
Unattended Oil Fryer, Gas Leak, 30-Minute Delay: Fresh Clues Raise Questions In Delhi Hotel Fire Probe Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 07:18 IST Probe into the Malviya Nagar hotel tragedy examines conflicting theories on the blaze's origin, staff response, safety lapses and accountability as the toll reaches 22. New Delhi: Police personnel keep a vigil at the spot a day after a fire at the Flourish Stay B&B (Photo: PTI) The investigation into the devastating Malviya Nagar hotel fire that claimed 22 lives has brought two strands of inquiry into focus, with one account pointing to an unattended oil fryer as the origin of the blaze, while another references a cooking gas leak as a possible trigger. The fire ripped through Flourish Stays B&B in Delhi’s Hauz Rani area on June 3, leaving dozens dead and injured, including several foreign nationals. As investigators piece together the sequence of events, authorities are examining staff actions, safety violations and the circumstances that allowed the fire to spread rapidly through the building. According to news agency PTI, investigators have concluded that a series of lapses beginning in the hotel’s kitchen may have set the stage for the tragedy. Police were quoted as saying that cook Keshav Negi allegedly switched on an oil fryer and then prepared tea for himself. While drinking tea, he reportedly forgot that the fryer remained switched on.
As the oil continued heating, it allegedly reached its auto-ignition temperature and suddenly caught fire. Investigators believe the flames first spread to the ceiling before engulfing nearby combustible material. The blaze allegedly intensified further because of highly flammable items, including cartons stored within the premises. Police sources were quoted as saying that Negi initially attempted to extinguish the flames but fled when the fire grew beyond his control. Investigators further allege that he did not alert guests, inform neighbours or contact emergency services despite having time to do so. One of the most critical aspects under scrutiny is the nearly 30-minute gap between the first signs of the fire and the first emergency call. According to sources quoted by PTI, investigators are examining whether a quicker response and evacuation could have reduced the scale of the tragedy. POLICE REFER TO COOKING GAS LEAK IN COURT However, ANI reported that while seeking custodial remand of Negi before a Saket court, Delhi Police stated that the fire broke out due to the leakage of cooking gas. The agency reported that Negi was produced before Judicial Magistrate First Class Bhanu Pratap Singh after his arrest. During proceedings seeking police custody, investigators argued that custodial interrogation was necessary for the probe and informed the court that a cooking gas leak had led to the fire. The reference to a gas leak emerged as part of the police’s submissions during remand proceedings, even as investigators continue examining multiple aspects of the incident.
Authorities have not yet publicly released a final forensic report establishing the exact cause of the blaze. INVESTIGATORS EXAMINING STAFF RESPONSE The conduct of hotel staff in the crucial moments after the fire started has become a major part of the investigation. According to PTI, three staff members were present inside the building when the fire broke out, Negi, a helper sleeping on the top floor and manager Rupesh alias Rakesh. Investigators said the helper escaped by jumping from the terrace, while the manager allegedly fled from the reception area. Police are still searching for him. Officials suspect that the failure to immediately raise an alarm may have contributed significantly to the high death toll. DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 22 The number of fatalities rose to 22 after a Nigerian national who had suffered severe burn injuries succumbed during treatment. The victim, identified as Okale, had been undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. The fire claimed the lives of Indian citizens as well as foreign nationals from several countries. The probe has also expanded beyond the immediate cause of the fire to examine the hotel’s infrastructure and compliance with safety norms. According to PTI, investigators suspect the building may have contributed to the scale of the disaster. The structure was allegedly constructed without requisite approvals, while extensive use of wood and plastic decorative materials may have accelerated the spread of flames.
Police are also examining whether the building’s single entry-exit route became a trap for occupants after it was filled with smoke and heat. Meanwhile, hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and cook Keshav Negi have been arrested. Bajaj’s associate and accountant, Jay Mishra, has also been taken into custody after surrendering before a Delhi court. Investigators are now awaiting forensic findings while examining documents, operational records and safety compliance issues to determine responsibility for one of Delhi’s deadliest hotel fires in recent years. 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 09, 2026, 07:17 IST News india Unattended Oil Fryer, Gas Leak, 30-Minute Delay: Fresh Clues Raise Questions In Delhi Hotel Fire Probe 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...
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