NEW DELHI: Armed with little more than ropes, mattresses, bricks and determination, local residents, traders and labourers became the first responders when a devastating fire swept through the Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast on Wednesday, helping rescue dozens of trapped occupants before emergency services could fully take control of the situation.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as thick smoke engulfed the building, trapping guests inside rooms with no balconies and few escape options.
Standing outside the charred structure, local resident Mansur recounted the desperate rescue efforts.
“The scene was horrifying. Through the smoke-filled windows, we could sometimes see hands banging against the glass. One moment they were visible, and the next they disappeared behind the thick smoke. We realised people were trapped because there were no balconies. We picked up bricks and started breaking the windows. Once the glass shattered, we threw ropes in so people could climb down,” he said.
Another resident, Kapil, joined others in smashing windows and tossing ropes towards stranded occupants on the upper floors.
Residents Entered Burning Building
Some rescuers went even further.
Salauddin, who suffered injuries during the operation, said locals rushed into the building after firefighters managed to force open the main entrance.
“While the firefighters went towards the basement, some of us ran upstairs through the staircase. The heat inside was unbearable. We carried out whoever we found. Many were unconscious and several doors had to be forced open,” he said.
Hours after the blaze, Salauddin stood outside the gutted hotel with a soot-covered face and an injured foot, having spent much of the day helping evacuate victims.
Mattresses Became Lifesaving Safety Nets
Residents said one of the most critical decisions during the rescue was using mattresses to cushion people forced to jump from windows to escape the flames.
Local businessman Riyazuddin, who owns a nearby mattress shop, immediately opened his stock for rescue efforts.
“He never thought about the loss. We spread the mattresses on the road and helped people jump to safety,” said resident Sanjay Goyal.
Mohammad Shahrukh, another volunteer, said rescuers worked despite choking smoke and poor visibility.
“All we could think of was how to save people. We kept bringing mattresses and helping those who had jumped. We also covered burn victims with bedsheets and moved them to safety,” he said.
Arman, a 20-year-old mattress shop owner, said he supplied around a dozen mattresses and several bedsheets.
“At least 10 people, including women and children, jumped onto the mattresses to escape the fire and smoke,” he said.
Improvised Escape Routes
As the fire intensified, locals attempted to create additional escape routes.
Rakesh Kumar said volunteers climbed neighbouring rooftops carrying ropes and tools.
“We broke windows to release some of the smoke and heat trapped inside. Then we climbed to a nearby terrace and threw ropes towards the upper floors, hoping that the trapped occupants would use them to get out,” he said.
Meanwhile, Israr Khan and several others entered the basement, helping rescue seven people before moving upstairs to assist firefighters and police personnel.
“By the time we came out, our clothes had turned black from the smoke. But we kept helping wherever we could. We even administered CPR to some of those rescued before they were moved to hospitals,” Khan said.
Community Effort Continues After Fire
Several volunteers suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation during the rescue operation but continued helping until emergency crews brought the blaze under control.
Even after the flames were extinguished, the narrow lane outside the hotel remained crowded with residents assisting survivors, arranging transportation for the injured and comforting distraught families.
The rescue effort highlighted the extraordinary role played by ordinary citizens who, before the arrival of specialised equipment and reinforcements, relied on courage, improvisation and community spirit to save lives amid the chaos.
