At least 21 killed in fire at New Delhi hotel

Eight fire engines were deployed to combat a blaze that engulfed a hotel in New Delhi’s Malviya Nagar neighborhood on Wednesday. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, according to police. The fire broke out in a building with a restaurant on the ground floor and a hotel above, an area densely populated with students and young professionals.

The blaze was brought under control with the assistance of eight fire engines, and more than 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Television footage showed individuals jumping from a higher floor of the building as flames and smoke spread throughout the structure.

Local residents participated in rescue efforts, helping evacuate those who could not escape on their own and carrying injured individuals to safety. Police stated that all concerned agencies remain deployed at the scene to provide assistance to those affected.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but it is reported that a restaurant operating on the ground floor may have contributed to the blaze. Building fires are relatively common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment and frequent disregard for safety regulations.

Source: Al Jazeera