New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the Malviya Nagar fire incident on Wednesday and also raised concerns about the increasing number of fire cases in the national capital.

At least 21 people were killed, and over two dozen were injured after a massive fire broke out at the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant in Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning, officials said.

So far, 26 people are injured and taken to the hospital, while a search for others is underway, they added.

In a post on X, Kejriwal said, “I pray to God for the peace of the souls of those who lost their lives in the horrific fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi.”

“The continuous fire incidents in Delhi and the deaths of innocent people are extremely concerning,” he added.

Atishi also took to X and called the incident “extremely heartbreaking”.

“I pray to God that the departed souls find peace and the injured recover swiftly. My condolences are with all those families who have lost their loved ones,” she said.

Raising questions on the fire safety system of the BJP government, Aitshi said, “But the question is, who will take responsibility for the repeated fire incidents in Delhi and the deaths of innocent people? Under the BJP government, why has the fire safety system deteriorated to such a deplorable state?”

“After every tragedy, there are only statements, but accountability is nowhere to be seen. This negligence at the cost of people’s lives is no longer acceptable,” she 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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