Malviya Nagar fire: 20 dead at Lemon Green Restaurant, Murmu mourns
Synopsis
A morning fire at Malviya Nagar's Lemon Green Restaurant has killed at least 20 and injured dozens, with survivors reportedly jumping from upper floors. President Murmu's ‘extremely heartbreaking' message lands as Delhi confronts yet another high-casualty commercial-building blaze — a recurring pattern that keeps exposing fire-safety enforcement gaps in the capital.
Key Takeaways
At least 20 people killed in a fire at Lemon Green Restaurant , Malviya Nagar , on 3 June .
37 people rescued and hospitalised; several reported to be in critical condition.
Ten fire tenders were deployed; the blaze was brought under control but caused extensive damage.
President Droupadi Murmu called the incident ‘extremely heartbreaking' and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
Some occupants reportedly jumped from upper floors to escape; search operations are ongoing.
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured after a massive fire engulfed the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant in Malviya Nagar, south Delhi, on the morning of 3 June, prompting President Droupadi Murmu to call the tragedy ‘extremely heartbreaking'. Rescue teams have so far pulled out 37 people, with several reported to be in critical condition, as search operations continue across the building's upper floors.
President Murmu's condolence message
In a statement issued on Wednesday, President Murmu offered her condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those hurt. ‘The news of the loss of lives in the fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,' she said.
What happened at Lemon Green Restaurant
Officials said the blaze broke out on Wednesday morning at the multi-storied premises, with flames spreading rapidly across floors. Ten fire tenders were rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control, but damage to the structure was extensive. Some occupants reportedly jumped from upper floors in a desperate attempt to escape, officials added.
Rescue operation under way
Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and rescue agencies are present at the site and monitoring the operation. So far, 37 people have been rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital, where several of the injured are said to be in critical condition. Teams are combing different floors of the building for others feared trapped.
A pattern of building fire tragedies
The Malviya Nagar disaster is the latest in a string of high-casualty fire incidents in commercial buildings across the national capital, raising fresh questions about fire safety audits, emergency exits, and enforcement of building codes in densely packed neighbourhoods. Past tragedies — from the Anaj Mandi fire of 2019 to the Mundka blaze of 2022 — have repeatedly exposed gaps in compliance.
What happens next
Authorities are expected to order a structural and fire-safety probe into the Lemon Green Restaurant premises, while the cause of the blaze is yet to be officially determined. Search and rescue operations were continuing at the time of reporting, with the toll likely to be revised as more information emerges.
Point of View
Blocked exits, and licences that rarely match ground reality. The Lemon Green tragedy will trigger the usual sequence: condolences, an inquiry committee, a sealing drive, and then quiet relapse. Until fire-safety compliance is decoupled from local political economy and tied to enforceable, audited outcomes, the capital will keep adding chapters to a grim ledger that already includes Anaj Mandi and Mundka.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Malviya Nagar fire on 3 June?
A massive fire broke out at the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant in Malviya Nagar, south Delhi, on the morning of 3 June, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens. Ten fire tenders were deployed and the blaze was brought under control, though damage was extensive.
How many people were rescued from the Lemon Green Restaurant fire?
Officials said 37 people were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, and search operations continue for others feared trapped.
What did President Droupadi Murmu say about the incident?
President Droupadi Murmu called the Malviya Nagar fire ‘extremely heartbreaking' in a statement on Wednesday. She offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
What caused the Malviya Nagar fire?
The cause of the fire has not been officially determined. Senior officials from Delhi Police and Delhi Fire Services are at the scene, and an investigation into the blaze and the building's fire-safety compliance is expected.
Who is leading the rescue operation?
Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and other rescue agencies are coordinating the operation at the site. Teams are searching different floors of the building for people who may still be trapped.
