Death toll in Delhi’s Hotel Arpit rises to 17

New Delhi | The death toll in the Delhi’s Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh have raised to 17. Most of the deaths are reported due to suffocations.

Delhi: Earlier visuals from Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh where a fire broke out today. Firefighting and rescue operations underway. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/l6Jd1pJpM6

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2019

According to the local eyewitness, the fire broke out at early morning around 4 am. Around 30 fire engines are present at the location to control the fire. Speaking on the accident Sunil Choudhary, Deputy Chief, Fire Officer informed that the Fire has been doused. The rescue operation is still underway while the bodies have been taken out.

Sunil Choudhary, Deputy Chief, Fire Officer on 9 dead in the fire that broke out in Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, earlier today: Fire has been doused. Bodies are being taken out now. Rescue operation underway. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/hqxsV8lyBQ

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2019

Speaking on News Agency ANI, Fire Officer Vipin Kental said,” Cause of fire yet to be investigated. 30 fire tenders had rushed to the spot. Rescue operation is over. There was wooden paneling on the corridor because of which people couldn’t use corridors to evacuate; 2 had jumped off the building.”

Vipin Kental, Fire Officer on 9 dead in Delhi hotel fire:Cause of fire yet to be investigated. 30 fire tenders had rushed to the spot.Rescue op is over. There was wooden paneling on corridor because of which people couldn’t use corridors to evacuate; 2 had jumped off the building pic.twitter.com/zVC9vVkgBH

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2019

Delhi Hotel Association Vice President Balan Manireacting to the incident 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.”