20 Killed in Massive Fire at Delhi's Lemon Green Restaurant

NEW DELHI — A devastating blaze broke out on the morning of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at a multi-storied building located in the Hauz Rani area of South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. The fire, which originated in the building that housed the Lemon Green Restaurant on the ground floor, has claimed at least 20 lives, according to official reports.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire at approximately 09:45 AM local time, prompting a large-scale deployment of Delhi Fire Service (DFS) units. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with personnel working to evacuate occupants from the five-story structure.

Rescue Operations and Emergency Response

Following the emergency call, DFS personnel, including Divisional Officer Ravinder from the Nehru Place fire station, arrived at the scene to coordinate the firefighting effort. Rescuers were able to pull at least 37 people from the building, who were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals via Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) ambulances.

"We have come to know that a restaurant was operating on the ground floor of this building," said Jitendra Kumar, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). During the operation, DFS personnel successfully entered the building's basement to rescue trapped individuals.

Investigation Into the Cause

As of Wednesday afternoon, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. While authorities have indicated the blaze likely originated within the restaurant premises, they have not yet confirmed the specific trigger. The site remains cordoned off as forensic teams and officials conduct a thorough assessment of the building's structural and fire safety compliance.

Impact on Local Safety Standards

This incident has renewed scrutiny regarding building laws and safety norms in Delhi, where officials frequently cite the disregard for fire safety regulations in high-density areas. The multi-story building reportedly functioned as a mixed-use facility, with residential units located above the restaurant, a factor that likely complicated evacuation efforts.

Why It Matters

The tragedy highlights the persistent risks posed by inadequate fire safety measures in commercial and residential properties throughout the capital. For citizens, this event serves as a critical warning regarding the necessity of fire-resistant building materials and clear emergency protocols. For business owners and municipal regulators, the incident is expected to lead to a more stringent audit of existing fire safety certificates and building occupancy permits.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Death Toll: At least 20 people have been confirmed dead.

• Location: The fire occurred at the Lemon Green Restaurant in the Malviya Nagar area of South Delhi.

• Rescue Effort: Approximately 37 people were rescued from the five-story building by Delhi Fire Service personnel.

• Response Time: The Delhi Fire Service received the first call regarding the blaze at 09:45 AM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the establishment where the fire occurred?

The fire occurred at the Lemon Green Restaurant, which was located on the ground floor of a multi-storied building in Malviya Nagar.

Has the cause of the fire been determined?

No, authorities are still investigating, though initial reports suggest the fire likely started in the restaurant area.

Were there people trapped inside?

Yes, fire officials confirmed that a significant rescue operation was required to evacuate people from the building, including the basement.

What support is available for the victims?

Prime Minister Modi has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the victims.

Source: Delhi Fire Service, Delhi District Disaster Management Authority, The Times of India, The Hindu