The staff members of Hotel Arpit Palace at Karol Bagh in Delhi were partying on the terrace before the fire broke out on the premises on Tuesday, a Fire Department officer said on Wednesday.
The officer, who was among the first responder to reach the spot, said used plates and liquor bottles were found on the hotel terrace. “When enquired, a staff member said they were partying on the terrace till 2.30 a.m. and everyone dispersed at 3 a.m. The security guard had locked the back gate [fire exit] like any other day at 3 a.m, after which all the staff members retired for the day,” said the officer.
The guard also went to sleep after locking the back door but the moment the fire broke out, he along with other staff members ran away without helping people trapped inside the building.
On Tuesday, the police arrested general manager Rajender and receptionist Vikas. The two said they tried to help the people trapped inside the building but were unable to do much. “I was at home when I got a call from the hotel staff informing about the fire incident. I rushed to the hotel and informed the Fire Department and local police. I regret that I could not do much to save the lives,” said the general manager.
It appears that the hotel staff did not inform the Fire Department or the police about the incident and it delayed the rescue process by more than an hour, said an officer.
The firemen had to break open the windows and rescue the people. The back gate that opens to a narrow lane was found locked. This led to more casualties.