As authorities investigate the fire at the Flourish B&B property in south Delhi's Hauz Rani that claimed at least 21 lives, a series of alleged violations and eyewitness accounts have begun to reveal why many occupants may have struggled to escape.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be established, police said preliminary investigations suggest it started in the restaurant operating on the ground floor.
Here are 5 big revelations:
1. Hotel masquerading as B&B
The property was licensed as a bed-and-breakfast with permission for only six rooms. However, authorities found that it allegedly had 26 rooms spread across several floors, including the basement and rooftop.
2. Illegal restaurant on the ground floor, no NOC
Officials said the ground floor had permission only for a tea-and-snack shop. However, a full-fledged restaurant was allegedly being run from the premises.
According to officials, the structure never had a sanctioned building plan or a fire safety no-objection certificate (NOC).
3. One exit, basement route reportedly shuttered
The building had only one main staircase that served as the primary exit. A separate exit meant for the basement was reportedly shuttered.
4. Thick smoke filled the staircase
Thick smoke quickly engulfed the staircase, cutting off the main escape route for guests staying on the upper floors as well as those in the basement.
5. Occupants struggled to open doors due to digital locks
Locals alleged that some occupants found it difficult to open room doors fitted with digital locks, further hampering escape efforts.
As flames and smoke spread through the building, around nine to 10 people reportedly escaped by jumping from windows into a narrow lane on the right side of the structure.
Residents gathered below and spread mattresses on the ground to cushion their falls.
