Malviya Nagar fire: 20 killed, 37 rescued in Delhi restaurant blaze
Synopsis
A morning fire at the Lemon Green Restaurant building in Delhi's Malviya Nagar killed at least 20 and forced occupants to leap from upper floors. With 37 rescued and a basement restaurant suspected as the origin, the tragedy lands a day after a Mukundpur building collapse — putting Delhi's basement-commerce safety lapses squarely in focus.
Key Takeaways
At least 20 people killed in a fire at the multi-storey Lemon Green Restaurant building in Malviya Nagar, Delhi on 3 June .
37 people rescued and shifted to hospital; some in critical condition.
Ten fire tenders deployed; blaze later brought under control, but damage extensive.
SDM Jitender Kumar said the fire likely originated in a basement restaurant ; cause under investigation.
Incident follows a suspected LPG cylinder blast and building collapse in Mukundpur that injured 10 a day earlier.
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured after a massive fire engulfed the multi-storey Lemon Green Restaurant building in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on the morning of 3 June, officials said. Around 37 people were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, while search operations continued for others feared trapped inside the structure.
Key Developments
The blaze broke out on Wednesday morning, triggering panic among occupants, with some reportedly jumping from upper floors in a desperate bid to escape the flames. Several of the injured are said to be in critical condition, according to officials at the scene.
Ten fire tenders were dispatched soon after the alert, and the blaze was eventually brought under control. However, the damage to the building was described as extensive.
What Officials Said
Senior officers from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and rescue agencies were stationed at the spot to coordinate the operation. SDM Jitender Kumar, speaking to reporters, said he reached the site after cancelling a scheduled training session.
'It has been found that a restaurant was operating in the basement of the building. The exact cause is not yet known, but most likely the fire started there. The investigation is still underway,' Kumar said.
He added that punitive action would follow against any violators. 'Strict action will be taken against those who are violating the rules… I will also instruct the concerned department to ensure action is taken against those who are illegally carrying out such activities and running operations under the guise of permissions,' the SDM added.
Search and Rescue Underway
Rescue teams were still combing through the floors of the gutted building at the time of reporting, attempting to locate occupants who may remain trapped. The injured have been moved to a nearby hospital, with some in critical condition, officials said.
Pattern of Building Safety Failures
The tragedy comes barely a day after ten people were injured in a suspected LPG cylinder explosion that led to the collapse of a building in Delhi's Mukundpur area on Tuesday morning. The back-to-back incidents have renewed scrutiny over basement-level commercial activity and fire safety compliance in the capital's densely built neighbourhoods.
The cause of the Malviya Nagar fire remains under investigation, with further details awaited from authorities.
Point of View
Unchecked occupancy, and a fire safety enforcement regime that activates only after body counts are now a recurring template, from Mundka to Karol Bagh to Malviya Nagar. The SDM's promise of 'strict action' is familiar; what is missing is a public audit trail of which establishments had valid NOCs and which inspectors signed off. Until that accountability loop closes, the next fire is a matter of when, not if.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Malviya Nagar fire in Delhi?
A massive fire broke out at the multi-storey Lemon Green Restaurant building in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on the morning of 3 June, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens. Around 37 people were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, with some in critical condition.
What caused the Malviya Nagar building fire?
The exact cause is still under investigation. According to SDM Jitender Kumar, the fire most likely started in a restaurant operating in the basement of the building, but officials are yet to confirm the trigger.
How many people were rescued from the Lemon Green Restaurant fire?
Officials said 37 people were rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital. Search and rescue operations were continuing at the time of reporting to locate others possibly trapped on different floors.
Are there any other recent fire incidents in Delhi?
Yes. A day before the Malviya Nagar fire, ten people were injured in a suspected LPG cylinder explosion that led to a building collapse in Delhi's Mukundpur area on Tuesday morning.
What action will be taken after the Malviya Nagar fire?
SDM Jitender Kumar said strict action will be taken against rule violators and those running illegal operations under the guise of permissions. A formal investigation into safety compliance at the building is underway.
