KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 21 people were killed after a fire tore through a hotel in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday, media reports said.
The fire broke out in a building in the Malviya Nagar neighborhood in southern New Delhi. The structure housed a restaurant on the ground floor and a hotel on the upper floors, Al Jazeera reported.
The predominantly residential area is densely populated and is popular among students and young professionals.
Delhi police said the blaze was brought under control with the assistance of eight fire engines. More than 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.
“It is with profound sorrow that 21 persons have been declared dead in this tragic incident,” police said in a statement.
According to the Indian Express and other local media outlets, several of those killed were visitors from African countries who had traveled to New Delhi for medical treatment.
The city attracts many foreign patients, who often stay in nearby residential accommodations during their visits.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss of life as tragic, extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the fire.
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