Karol Bagh fire: Hotel violated construction norms, govt orders magisterial probe; says Satyendra Jain

A deadly inferno that left 17 people dead and 2 injured in a hotel at Delhi's Karol Bagh on Tuesday morning has swung the state government into action.

Satyendra Jain (Source: PTI)

New Delhi: A deadly inferno that left 17 people dead and several  injured in a hotel at Delhi's Karol Bagh on Tuesday morning has swung the state government into action. Speaking to ANI on the unfortunate incident, Delhi government's Health minister Satyendra Jain said that the District magistrate has ordered an inquiry and strict action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence. Speaking exclusively to ABP News, the AAP minister said that there was clear cut violation of construction norms by the hotel as six floors had been constructed as against four which are mandated by the government rules. He ruled added that most of the people died due to suffocation. The police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident and are investigation if there was any negligence on the part of hotel staff. A massive fire broke out in a hotel at Delhi’s Karol Bagh in the early hours on Tuesday. As of now, the fire department reported that seventeen people including a child have been killed in the Arpit Palace Hotel fire which broke at 4 am. It is said that the fire was reported on third and fourth floor, but the blaze spiraled down as well. Only the basement and ground floor were not affected.  At present, cooling process is underway and the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained Thirteen seriously injured were sent to the nearby RML Hospital and all were declared dead. Five people were sent to Lady Hardinge hospital where two were declared dead. A total of 35 people have been rescued by the fire department. The death toll could further rise and it is said that most victims died of suffocation. The Delhi Hotel Association Vice President, Balan Mani said "It was due to fire in ducting because of which it had spread to the hotel rooms. All norms were followed here; license is issued only after inspection. Mishappening can occur in a house as well."