A suspected electrical malfunction quickly turned into a devastating tragedy at Delhi’s Hotel Arpit Palace, where a fire claimed 21 lives and exposed what investigators describe as a troubling pattern of safety lapses. As officials piece together the sequence of events, preliminary findings suggest that inadequate fire preparedness and illegal structural modifications may have significantly increased the death toll.
The incident has once again raised serious questions about compliance with fire safety regulations in commercial establishments across the capital, particularly those operating in densely populated neighbourhoods.
Suspected electrical fault sparked fast-moving blaze
According to NDTV, the fire is believed to have started in the early hours of the morning in a guest room after a suspected short circuit in an air-conditioning unit. Hotel employees initially attempted to control the flames using fire extinguishers, but the fire spread rapidly after reaching furniture, bedding and other combustible materials.
As smoke engulfed the corridors, guests were awakened by frantic warnings from staff members. Many found themselves trapped as visibility deteriorated and evacuation became increasingly difficult. Authorities say the building’s narrow layout, coupled with inadequate ventilation in several rooms, created dangerous conditions within minutes.
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Safety violations may have worsened the disaster
According to NDTV, investigators have identified multiple alleged violations that could have hindered evacuation efforts. Several rooms reportedly lacked windows, limiting opportunities for escape and ventilation. Officials also found that the emergency staircase had been obstructed by stored materials, including cartons and laundry equipment.
Adding to the chaos, there were reportedly no clear exit signs guiding guests toward safe evacuation routes. Authorities are also examining allegations that parts of the hotel included unauthorised constructions and that the property did not possess a valid fire safety clearance at the time of the incident.
These findings have become a central focus of the investigation, as authorities seek to determine whether negligence contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
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Rooftop became final refuge for trapped guests
According to NDTV, as flames spread to the upper floors, many guests attempted to move towards the terrace in search of safety. However, investigators say the rooftop offered little protection. A fibre-sheet covering reportedly melted under the intense heat, leaving those who reached the area with few escape options.
Some victims were found near emergency exits, suggesting they were attempting to flee when smoke and flames overwhelmed them. In desperate moments, a few individuals reportedly jumped from the rooftop to escape the inferno, suffering fatal injuries.
Police have arrested hotel owner Rakesh Goel, while efforts continue to locate his brother Shardendu Goel, who is believed to have overseen licensing and operational matters. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to examine whether criminal negligence and regulatory violations played a role in one of Delhi’s deadliest hotel fire disasters in recent years.
