'Chose to face death together': African couple undergoing IVF treatment found dead in each other's arms in Delhi hotel fire

NEW DELHI: An African couple undergoing IVF treatment in Delhi were found dead in each other's arms after a devastating fire swept through a hotel in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, killing 21 people.

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The couple were among the 12 foreign nationals who lost their lives in Wednesday's blaze at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, according to news agency PTI.




They were discovered inside a bathroom on the ground floor, where they had apparently taken refuge as smoke and flames rapidly spread through the building.

Hospital staff and local residents said the couple had been staying at the facility while receiving fertility treatment at a nearby hospital.

According to news agency PTI, Wasim Raja, duty in-charge at Max Smart Hospital and one of the first responders at the scene, said the sight he witnessed was unforgettable.

"We somehow managed to open the bathroom door and saw something that is beyond words to describe. I have seen many dead bodies during my career, but nothing compares to what I saw there," said Raja.

According to Raja, the woman, who appeared to have recently undergone a medical procedure and had a surgery mark on her head, was seated on the toilet seat, while her husband sat beside her on a chair.

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"They were holding each other. Their arms were wrapped around one another and her head was resting on his shoulder," he said.

Rescuers immediately checked for signs of life and attempted to revive them.

"We checked their pulse and veins and tried CPR and every possible life-saving measure, but there was no response. They had most likely succumbed to smoke inhalation," he said.

He added that the couple appeared to have chosen to remain together as the tragedy unfolded.

"When death was approaching, they chose to face it together in each other's arms. It was a scene that will stay with me forever," Raja said.

A local cab operator, Ikrar, who lives near the hotel, said many drivers in the area knew the couple because of their frequent trips to the hospital.

"They were undergoing IVF treatment. Drivers from our locality would often ferry them to the hospital and back. They had come here with hope of starting a family," he said.

The fire broke out on Wednesday morning and quickly engulfed the five-storey hotel. Twenty-one people were killed and several others injured.

Investigators examining the incident have found that the rooftop exit was allegedly blocked. Authorities have also alleged that cooking heaters were being used in several guest rooms and that the establishment was operating far beyond its approved capacity. While permission had reportedly been granted for only six rooms, around 25 rooms were allegedly being run from the premises.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Delhi Police have launched a manhunt for the absconding hotel manager and issued a Look Out Circular against the building owner and his wife. Hotel building owner Lavkesh Bajaj was arrested on Wednesday, hours after the incident.

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Among those killed were foreign nationals from African and Central Asian countries who had come to Delhi for medical treatment, employment or business opportunities.