The devastating fire at a restaurant in Delhi's Malviya Nagar has claimed 18 lives, while several others continue to battle serious injuries in hospitals across the city.

Providing an update on the condition of the victims, Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Medical Director of Max Healthcare Group, said that many patients suffered severe smoke inhalation injuries rather than extensive burns, highlighting the deadly impact of toxic fumes during such incidents.

"Eight patients are currently on ventilator support and undergoing treatment. Most of them have suffered asphyxiation injuries caused by inhaling smoke," Dr. Budhiraja said.

He explained that while many victims sustained burns, most were minor in nature and not deep tissue burns. However, one patient suffered burns covering more than 25 percent of the body and was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital's specialized burn unit for advanced care.

According to hospital officials, five patients who arrived with relatively minor injuries were provided first aid and discharged after treatment.

Doctors revealed that the injured victims largely suffered from three types of trauma — lung injuries due to smoke inhalation, minor burn injuries, and fractures caused while trying to escape the blaze.

Many survivors reportedly jumped from upper floors of the building to save themselves from the rapidly spreading fire. As a result, several patients sustained serious bone injuries, including fractures of long bones and pelvic bones. One patient also suffered a spinal injury and is currently undergoing neurosurgical treatment.

The tragedy affected both local residents and foreign nationals who were present at the restaurant when the fire broke out.

Dr. Budhiraja further confirmed that the death toll has risen to 18, with an equal number of men and women among the deceased.

The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in crowded commercial establishments, as investigators continue to probe the cause of the deadly blaze.