A Delhi hotel fire killed at least 21 people on Wednesday in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, police said, making it one of the city’s deadliest recent blazes.
Police said rescuers pulled at least 40 people from the building. Several injured people were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Television footage showed flames, thick smoke and charred walls at the hotel. It also showed two people jumping from an upper floor as residents watched from a narrow lane.
Local administration official Jitendra Kumar told reporters that a restaurant had been operating on the ground floor. He said early findings suggested the fire was most likely connected to that restaurant.
The site is the Micasa Inn hotel in Malviya Nagar. It said the area is a dense residential hub popular with students and young professionals.
Read: Washington Chemical Accident Kills 11 At Paper Plant
Emergency crews deployed eight fire engines to control the blaze. It also said many victims included foreign nationals from South Asian countries, including Bangladesh.
The alleged safety failures at the building. It said the hotel lacked adequate emergency exits and had more rooms than authorities had approved.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those killed. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
