Unattended Oil Fryer, Gas Leak, 30-Minute Delay: Fresh Clues Raise Questions In Delhi Hotel Fire Probe

Published 9 June 2026 · local

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.