A devastating fire ripped through a commercial building in New Delhi early Monday morning, killing at least 21 people, including several foreign nationals, and injuring dozens more. Firefighters worked for hours to rescue over 40 individuals trapped inside as thick, black smoke billowed from the structure.
Emergency services received calls around 5:00 AM local time reporting a blaze at the four-story building, which housed offices, a restaurant, and residential quarters. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people jumped from windows to escape the flames.
"The fire started on the lower floor and quickly spread upward due to flammable materials," said a senior fire department official. "Many victims succumbed to smoke inhalation. Rescue operations were extremely challenging due to the narrow lanes and overcrowding."
Among the dead are citizens from Nepal and Bangladesh, confirmed local authorities. The building lacked proper fire safety measures, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire and assess negligence.
"This tragedy is a stark reminder of the fire hazards in our city's old buildings," said Delhi's Chief Minister, expressing condolences. "We will ensure strict action against those responsible and implement stricter safety regulations."
The incident has sparked renewed calls for better fire safety enforcement in India's capital, where illegal constructions and safety violations are common.