India, June 5 -- The devastating fire that broke out at the Flourish Stay 'bed-and-breakfast' in Malviya Nagar's Hauz Rani area around 6.30 am on Wednesday has exposed possible safety lapses, illegal building expansions, and fire safety violations.

Twenty-one people died, most of them foreign nationals visiting for medical treatment. At least 20 others were hospitalised, including 17 foreigners.

Investigators said the hotel was licensed for only 6 rooms under Delhi's B&B policy, but was operating 25 rooms across all floors, far above the allowed limit.

The five-storey building lacked a fire safety NOC and had only one narrow stairway for entry and exit.

The stairway's sensor-operated door failed during the emergency. Sealed windows pr...