Cousins and Delhi Police Save Lives in Malviya Nagar Hotel Blaze
In a critical incident in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, a group of 11 civilians led by brothers-in-law and cousins along with ten Delhi Police personnel successfully rescued dozens from a raging blaze at Flourish Stay B&B. Their heroic efforts underscored the vital role played by quick intervention in disaster management.
Highlights
- •A team of 11 civilians, including Mohammad Afzal's brothers-in-law and cousins, bravely rescued over two dozen occupants from a burning hotel
- •Ten Delhi Police personnel joined the rescue operation at Flourish Stay B&B to secure premises and evacuate survivors
- •Multiple lives were saved under challenging conditions as rescuers entered smoke-filled areas without safety gear
- •Rescue efforts continued throughout the day, with an additional three people rescued
On Wednesday morning, a fire at the Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, posed an urgent threat to dozens of occupants. However, a group of 11 civilians—primarily brothers-in-law and cousins—along with ten Delhi Police personnel, emerged as unsung heroes, defying danger and saving many lives.
Around 8 am, the fire broke out in the budget hotel, causing chaos. Residents reported seeing smoke filling the premises, followed by panic as guests attempted escape. People gathered outside, awaiting rescue efforts to begin.
The first of the unsung heroes were Mohammad Afzal and his brothers Hazi Kallu, Wasim, Shoaib, Israr, Anees, Shahrukh, Aamir, Fazal, Faisal, and Armaan. They entered the building without safety gear, forced open gates, and began evacuating those trapped inside.
"We reached here around 8 am and saw panic everywhere. Smoke had filled the entire building," recounted Mohammad Afzal. "Without any safety gear, we entered the premises, broke the gates, and started bringing people out."
In a remarkable rescue operation, they helped occupants escape through windows as well. A critical moment arrived when a child jumped from an upper floor. People below caught him, using mattresses from nearby shops to cushion his fall.
Multiple Lives Saved: A Team Effort
According to Afzal, "We rescued everyone we could and shifted them to Safdarjung Hospital. It was the most horrifying thing I have ever witnessed. Our only focus was to save as many lives as possible."
The brave civilians were later joined by ten Delhi Police personnel who entered smoke-filled areas to secure premises and evacuate occupants. Head Constables Kartar, Hargyan, Prem Chand, Jitendra, and Dinesh, along with Constables Raviranjan, Sandeep, Vikram, Deepak, and Rampal, sustained injuries from smoke exposure and were taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre. They were all stationed at Malviya Nagar Police Station, Neb Sarai Police Station, and the PCR unit.
Rescue teams entered the basement later in the day and evacuated three more people who were shifted to the hospital via CATS ambulances. Search operations continued through the day ensuring no one remained trapped.
Heroic Efforts Recognized
The efforts of both civilians and police personnel highlighted the importance of prompt, effective response in emergencies. Their courageous actions not only saved lives but also provided a sense of safety and security when panic was rampant at the scene.
