Liberian Student Mourns Aunt Lost in Delhi Bed and Breakfast Fire
New Delhi: Maria, a Liberian student carrying a red suitcase, arrived at the AIIMS Trauma Centre on Thursday morning, struggling to comprehend that she had just lost her aunt in the devastating bed and breakfast fire in Delhi. Janjay N Roland, Maria's 61-year-old aunt, had traveled to India last week with her husband for his medical treatment at Max Hospital, where he remains admitted. The aunt's visit was supposed to reunite Maria with a family member from home after two years, but that meeting never took place.
On Wednesday, a fire broke out at a bed and breakfast in Hauz Rani, claiming 21 lives. Among the deceased was Janjay, one of 12 foreign nationals killed in the blaze. Maria, who studies in Dehradun, received a call from the police informing her of the tragedy. She later received an image that confirmed her aunt's death. At AIIMS, the young woman made frantic phone calls to relatives, trying to navigate through paperwork and grief simultaneously.
Maria left Liberia two years ago to study in India. Since then, she had not seen much of her extended family. The couple's visit to Delhi was meant to change that. "I was going to come to Delhi to see my aunt this week," she said, her voice breaking as she waited. She coordinated with relatives across continents, informing loved ones about the tragedy while trying to figure out the next steps. Officials from the Liberian embassy were present at the mortuary to assist Maria.
Also present at the mortuary was Habib Abid, an Iraqi who lost his 21-year-old brother-in-law, Ali Amer Mosa. The duo had come to India for the treatment of Abid's son. What was intended to be a trip to nurse his son back to health ended up being overshadowed by loss. Abid told reporters that he managed to escape the fire through a window, but his brother-in-law was unable to.
The fire at the bed and breakfast in Hauz Rani has raised serious questions about safety standards in such establishments. The incident has left families across continents grieving, with many foreign nationals among the victims. As investigations continue, authorities are working to identify all the deceased and assist their families.
About the Author
Khushi Bhuta is a reporter based in New Delhi. She has prior reporting experience in her hometown Mumbai along with Chennai and Pune. She focuses closely on urban ground realities, particularly issues around crime and public safety. Her work revolves around lived experiences and the everyday impact of city systems.
