Delhi hotel fire kills at least 21, police say

A devastating fire swept through a hotel in Delhi on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 21 people. The incident, one of the worst of its kind in the Indian capital in recent years, occurred in the Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi, a neighborhood known for its popularity among students and young professionals.

Eyewitnesses described seeing smoke billowing from the building, with charred exteriors visible. Images from the scene showed residents watching from a narrow lane as two individuals were seen jumping from a higher floor of the burning structure.

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There was reportedly a restaurant operating on the ground floor of the building ... it is most likely that the fire was connected to that restaurant.

Local officials indicated that the fire likely originated from a restaurant operating on the ground floor of the hotel. "There was reportedly a restaurant operating on the ground floor of the building ... it is most likely that the fire was connected to that restaurant," said Jitendra Kumar, a local administration official.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the tragedy, calling the loss of life "tragic." He extended his "heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones" and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

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the loss of lives was tragic and extended his heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.