Malviya Nagar fire: 20 dead at Lemon Green; AAP, BJP hail local rescuers
Synopsis
A short circuit at 8 am turned a Malviya Nagar building housing the Lemon Green Restaurant into a death trap, killing over 20 — many reportedly South African families lodging near Max Hospital. With 37 rescued, much of the credit went not to first responders but to neighbours who laid mattresses on the street to catch those who jumped.
Key Takeaways
A fire at the Lemon Green Restaurant building in Malviya Nagar , South Delhi killed at least 20 people on 3 June .
37 people have been rescued and shifted to hospitals; search operations are still underway.
The blaze reportedly started around 8 am due to a short circuit in the kitchen, according to AAP leader Somnath Bharti .
Many victims were reportedly South African nationals staying nearby while family members received care at Max Hospital .
BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay credited police, the fire department and BSES for cutting power early to contain the spread.
Both AAP and BJP leaders praised locals who laid mattresses on the ground to help trapped occupants jump to safety.
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured after a massive fire engulfed the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant building in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar on the morning of 3 June, officials said. 37 people have been rescued and shifted to hospitals so far, with search operations still underway. Leaders from both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) praised local residents for their on-the-ground rescue efforts.
How the fire unfolded
AAP leader and former Malviya Nagar MLA Somnath Bharti said the blaze began around 8 am, reportedly triggered by a short circuit. ‘This fire broke out around 8 A.M. and was caused due to a short circuit. First, it reached the kitchen and then the entire building was engulfed in flames,' Bharti said.
He alleged a delayed initial response from the fire department, claiming the lag allowed the flames to spread through the structure. Bharti, however, credited firefighters for their work once they were on site, and singled out residents for stepping in early.
Locals turn first responders
‘Many local people laid mattresses on the ground to help those trapped in the fire to escape by jumping,' Bharti said, adding that the casualty count would have been ‘far greater' without these efforts.
‘I myself have been involved in the rescue operations since morning. The smoke that was emitted also caused damage. It took a lot of time to bring the fire under control, and due to this, the damage has been quite extensive,' he said.
Foreign nationals among victims
According to Bharti, a significant share of the victims are reportedly South African nationals — family members of patients who travel to nearby Max Hospital for treatment and stay in the area. ‘I witnessed two brothers dying in front of me. There were heavy losses in this tragedy and it was very painful to watch,' he said.
BJP MLA credits emergency services
BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay, who also visited the site, said a full list of victims would only be available after hospital coordination. ‘I do not have complete information at the moment, but it is certain that people from all over come here, even from different countries,' he told reporters.
Upadhyay credited the police, district administration, fire department and power utility BSES for a quick mobilisation. ‘Without wasting any time, the police, DM, SDM and Fire Department started their operations. Especially BSES. Had they not disconnected electricity from the area, the fire would have been even bigger,' he said.
Echoing Bharti, the BJP MLA praised neighbourhood volunteers and asserted that the administration would ‘take strict action to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future'.
What happens next
Authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations and have yet to release a final casualty list. A formal probe into the suspected short circuit, the building's fire-safety compliance and the response timeline is expected in the coming days.
Point of View
In the heart of South Delhi, points to a fire-safety enforcement gap the capital has refused to close after Uphaar, Mundka and AIIMS Trauma. The fact that mattresses laid by neighbours, not sprinklers or fire-exits, saved lives is the real indictment. With foreign nationals reportedly among the dead, this is no longer just a civic story; it is a diplomatic and licensing one. Expect political point-scoring; watch instead for whether the building had a valid fire NOC.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Malviya Nagar fire on 3 June?
A massive fire broke out around 8 am at the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant building in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens. Officials said 37 people have been rescued so far, with search operations continuing.
What caused the Malviya Nagar fire?
According to AAP leader Somnath Bharti, the fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit that first reached the kitchen and then spread through the entire building. A formal investigation by authorities is expected.
Who were the victims of the Lemon Green Restaurant fire?
Many of the victims were reportedly South African nationals, according to Somnath Bharti. He said the building is commonly used by family members of patients travelling from abroad for treatment at the nearby Max Hospital.
How did locals help in the rescue?
Local residents laid mattresses on the ground so that people trapped on upper floors could jump to safety. Both AAP's Somnath Bharti and BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay said the civilian effort significantly reduced what could have been a much higher casualty count.
What action will authorities take after the Malviya Nagar fire?
BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay said the administration will take strict action to prevent a recurrence. A probe into the suspected short circuit, the building's fire-safety clearances and the response time of emergency services is anticipated.
