Foreign nationals among 21 killed in massive New Delhi building blaze
New Delhi: At least 21 people, including foreign nationals, were killed and several others injured after a massive fire engulfed a multi-storey building in the Malviya Nagar area of New Delhi on Wednesday.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the blaze erupted in a building housing a restaurant on the ground floor and a hotel above in the densely populated south Delhi neighbourhood.
Delhi police said the fire was brought under control after an extensive operation involving eight fire engines. More than 40 people were rescued from the building and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as flames and thick black smoke rapidly spread through the structure. Several people trapped inside were seen hanging from windows and calling for help before rescue teams reached them.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Some of the victims were foreign nationals who had travelled to India for medical treatment, Indian media reported.
The tragedy once again highlighted persistent concerns over fire safety standards in India, where poor enforcement of building regulations, faulty electrical systems, blocked emergency exits and inadequate firefighting facilities frequently contribute to deadly accidents in crowded urban areas like New Delhi.
