Deadly New Delhi Hotel Fire Leaves 21 Dead, Scores Evacuated

A devastating fire tore through a hotel building in New Delhi's Malviya Nagar district on Wednesday, leaving at least 21 people dead and more than 40 others injured or rescued, according to local authorities.

The blaze erupted in a multi-storey building that housed a restaurant on the ground floor and hotel accommodations above. Emergency crews deployed eight fire engines to battle the flames, which spread rapidly through the structure in the densely populated neighbourhood.

Police confirmed that rescue teams evacuated dozens of trapped occupants and transported them to nearby hospitals. Several of the victims were reportedly foreign nationals from African countries who had travelled to India for medical treatment.

Dramatic television footage showed some people attempting desperate escapes from upper floors as thick smoke engulfed the building. Residents of the area joined emergency responders in helping evacuate guests and carrying injured survivors to safety.

Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, though preliminary reports suggest it may have originated in the restaurant operating on the building's ground floor. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

Building fires remain a recurring safety concern in India, often linked to inadequate fire-prevention measures and violations of safety regulations. Rescue and recovery operations continued at the scene as authorities assessed the full extent of the tragedy.

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