A fire tore through a building in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more. The blaze, which occurred in a residential area of the Indian capital, required eight fire engines to extinguish.
Among the dead were at least 18 foreign nationals, including citizens of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia, with other victims coming mainly from Central Asia and Africa. Some of these individuals had traveled to India to receive medical treatment.
Firefighters rescued more than 40 people trapped inside as thick smoke filled the building. Those rescued were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Authorities believe the fire may have started in a restaurant. Following the incident, the owner of the establishment has been arrested, and Delhi is launching a fire safety inspection.