New Delhi

Investigations into the devastating fire at a guest house in Delhi's Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives have uncovered several serious safety shortcomings, while preliminary findings suggest that most victims succumbed to smoke inhalation and suffocation rather than burns.

According to sources associated with the investigation, police teams carried out a detailed search of the premises after the fire and recovered around 50 to 60 mobile phones along with nearly 30 passports from various rooms.

Officials said the building remained intensely hot even after the flames had been extinguished, highlighting the severity of the fire and the concentration of heat and smoke trapped inside the structure.

Authorities have so far identified five of the deceased, while efforts are continuing to establish the identities of the remaining victims. Post-mortem examinations are being conducted, and initial findings indicate that the majority of those who died had suffered from smoke inhalation and asphyxiation, with relatively few burn injuries observed on the bodies.

Investigators have also found that many of the foreign nationals staying at the guest house had travelled to India for medical treatment. Sources said the establishment regularly accommodated dozens of foreign visitors each month and complied with registration requirements by submitting C-Forms to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), with guest details also available in police records.

The inquiry has brought to light several significant deficiencies in the building's fire safety measures. Officials found that windows and glass panels throughout the property had been sealed, preventing smoke from escaping and creating hazardous conditions during the blaze.

Investigators also discovered that the entrance to the basement was locked, causing critical delays during rescue operations. Rescue personnel reportedly spent nearly ten minutes gaining access after finding the basement door secured from the inside. Several occupants were eventually evacuated from the area.

In another obstacle that hampered rescue efforts, emergency responders encountered an iron mesh barrier along the route to the basement. The obstruction had to be cut through before teams could proceed, resulting in additional delays.

Sources further revealed that the building lacked adequate ventilation systems and did not have a designated emergency exit. These shortcomings are believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of smoke throughout the structure, making evacuation difficult and increasing the risk to occupants.

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Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine responsibility for the safety violations and establish the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy.