New Delhi: A densely packed cluster of hotels, inns and guest houses in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar, catering to patients visiting nearby Max Hospital, has come under scrutiny after a fire at a local bed and breakfast hotel claimed 21 lives.
The locality has evolved into a preferred hub for foreign and domestic patients seeking affordable lodging during their treatment period.
A walk through the area revealed dozens of hotels and guest houses operating in close proximity, many from narrow multi-storey buildings squeezed between restaurants and commercial establishments.
The area is dotted with narrow passages, in some places barely wide enough to allow a person through, adjoining buildings and connecting hotels, restaurants and service areas.
Locals estimate that more than 35 hotels and guest houses operate in the neighbourhood, with many offering budget accommodation for patients and their attendants.
A foreign national undergoing treatment at Max Hospital, Musa Okoro, recounted the events of the fire, saying he had initially planned to stay in the affected hotel but checked into another guest house nearby after being told that rooms were not available.
Another foreign patient, Yusoof from Bangladesh, said he chose to stay in the locality because it was close to the hospital and offered affordable accommodation options, but expressed concerns about safety standards in the area.
The fire ripped through the bed and breakfast hotel allegedly operating without a fire NOC on Wednesday morning, killing at least 21 people, including 11 foreigners whose relatives were being treated in hospitals nearby.
The tragedy has renewed concerns among residents and visitors about fire safety compliance and building norms in one of the capital's busiest medical accommodation hubs.
