New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed distress over the tragic Malviya Nagar fire incident and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased.

The Prime Minister also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and announced assistance of Rs 50,000 for them.

At least 20 people were killed, and dozens were injured after a massive fire broke out at the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning, officials said.

So far, 37 people were rescued and taken to the hospital, while a search for others is underway, they added.

In a statement on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced, “The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” he added.

Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and rescue services are present at the scene and monitoring the situation.

Upon receiving the information, ten fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene. The fire was soon brought under control. However, the damage was extensive.

Officials said that some people tried to jump from the upper floors of the building to save their lives. The injured have been sent to a nearby hospital. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

The search and rescue operations are still ongoing at the site.

The rescue officials are trying to locate other people possibly trapped on different floors of the building.

–IANS

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