The couple were among the 12 foreign nationals who lost their lives in the fire that broke out at Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani on Wednesday.

New Delhi: An African couple undergoing IVF treatment in Delhi was found dead in each other’s arms after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area, killing 21 people.According to news agency PTI, the couple were among the 12 foreign nationals who lost their lives in the fire that broke out at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani on Wednesday.He was discovered inside a bathroom on the ground floor, where he apparently took refuge as smoke and flames spread rapidly through the building.Hospital staff and local residents said the couple were staying at the hospital while receiving fertility treatment at a nearby hospital.Wasim Raja, on duty at Max Smart Hospital and one of the first responders at the scene, said the scene he saw was unforgettable, according to news agency PTI.Raja said, “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 compared to what I saw there.”According to Raja, the woman, who had recently undergone a medical procedure and had a surgery scar on her head, was sitting on the toilet seat, while her husband was sitting on a chair next to her.“They were holding each other. Their arms were wrapped around each other and her head was resting on his shoulder,” he said.Rescue workers immediately checked for signs of life and attempted to revive him.“We checked his pulse and vitals and tried CPR and every possible life-saving measure, but there was no response. He probably died due to smoke inhalation,” he said.He said it appears the couple has chosen to stay together after the tragedy unfolded.King said, “When death was approaching, they decided to face it together in each other’s arms. It was a scene that will stay with me forever.”Iqrar, a local cab operator who lives near the hotel, said that many drivers in the area knew the couple as they frequently visited the hospital.“They were undergoing IVF treatment. Drivers in our area often brought them to the hospital and back. They came here with the hope of starting a family,” he said.The fire broke out on Wednesday morning and engulfed the five-storey hotel in no time. Twenty-one people were killed and many others were injured.Investigators probing the incident found that the roof exit was reportedly blocked. Officials also alleged that cooking heaters were being used in several guest rooms and that the establishment was operating far beyond its permitted capacity. While permission was reportedly given for only six rooms, around 25 rooms were reportedly being run from the premises.The exact cause of the fire is being investigated.Delhi Police has started searching for the absconding hotel manager and has issued a look out circular against the building owner and his wife. The owner of the hotel building, Lavkesh Bajaj, was arrested on Wednesday, hours after the incident.Those killed also included foreign nationals from African and Central Asian countries who had come to Delhi for treatment, employment or business opportunities.