Hauz Rani Hotel Fire Survivor Suffers Spinal Injuries After Saving Two Colleagues

A 26-year-old hotel staff member, Rohit Mukhiya, is struggling to recover from severe spinal injuries after rescuing two colleagues during a devastating fire at the Flourish Stays B&B in Hauz Rani, Delhi, on June 3.

The blaze, which reportedly started from an air fryer in the ground-floor kitchen, claimed the lives of 23 people, including 14 foreign nationals. Mukhiya, who was washing utensils in the kitchen when the fire broke out around 8 a.m., noticed sparks and flames spreading rapidly from the appliance.

After attempts to contain the fire with a wet towel and a fire extinguisher failed, the blaze quickly engulfed the ground and first floors of the building. Remembering that housekeeping staff members Kundan and Raj were cleaning rooms on the first floor, Mukhiya ran upstairs to warn them.

Trapped by thick smoke and rising flames that blocked the staircase, Mukhiya led the two men into a bathroom. He broke the window with a bucket and shouted for help. Local residents gathered below and laid out mattresses to cushion their fall.

After Kundan and Raj jumped to safety, Mukhiya followed. However, he cut his leg on the broken window glass and landed heavily on the road, severely injuring his back before losing consciousness.

Residents rushed Mukhiya to Max Hospital, where he underwent spinal surgery. Now discharged and confined to his bed, Mukhiya stated he has received no assistance, leaving his family struggling to cope.

Police investigations into the incident revealed that the six-storey establishment was operating 26 rooms despite having permission to run only six rooms as a bed-and-breakfast. Authorities have arrested the hotel owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, the cook, Kesar Negi, and the accountant, Jay Mishra, while the manager, Rupesh, remains absconding.