President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow on January 31 for the deaths resulting from a fire at a hotel in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, calling the incident "extremely heartbreaking" and offering condolences to the families affected.

She also wished a swift recovery for those injured.

In a post on the social media platform X, the President stated, "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."

According to officials, at least 21 people died and more than 40 were rescued after a fire broke out at Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar at approximately 8:48 am on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and announced ex-gratia payments for victims and their families. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to each deceased person's next of kin, while injured individuals would receive Rs 50,000.

The PMO's post read: "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."

Eyewitnesses reported panic as fire rapidly spread through parts of the hotel, with some people jumping from upper floors in an effort to escape. Rescue teams worked to evacuate those trapped and to control the blaze.