Srinagar, Jun 3 (JKNS): At least 21 people were killed and more than 40 others rescued after a massive fire broke out in a hotel-cum-restaurant building in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning, officials said.
Several of the victims are reported to be foreign nationals who had come to India for medical treatment.
According to reports available here with news agency JKNS, the fire broke out around 8:50 AM in the basement restaurant of the multi-storey building, which housed a hotel above it. The Delhi Fire Services rushed multiple fire tenders to the spot after receiving an emergency call and launched a large-scale rescue operation.
Authorities said around 40 people were inside the building at the time of the incident. More than 40 persons were rescued and shifted to hospitals, while several sustained burn injuries. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes, with some trapped occupants attempting to escape through windows as thick smoke engulfed the structure.
Officials said many of those staying in the hotel were foreign nationals, particularly medical tourists. Identification of the deceased is underway and the exact number of foreign victims is yet to be officially confirmed.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the blaze and to examine compliance with fire safety regulations at the premises.
Rescue and search operations continued for several hours after the fire was brought under control. Further details are awaited. (JKNS)
