INDIA: 17 people feared killed as fire engulfs hotel in Delhi

Tragedy struck in the Indian city of New Delhi when a raging fire which ripped through Hotel Arpit Palace claimed the lives of no less than 17 victims and left scores of others wounded.

Reports say several people were involved in a scramble as they tried to exit the hotel during the outbreak with victims including a woman and a child reportedly jumping from a window to escape the blaze.

“We have confirmed with hospital authorities, the toll is now 17 including a child,” Sunil Choudhary, a senior fire brigade official said.

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According to Delhi fire services director, G.C. Misra, the blaze had been brought under control and 35 people were rescued by firefighters in an operation which lasted for several hours involving at least 25 fire engines.

“There was wooden paneling on corridors because of which people could not use corridors to evacuate,” another fire officer told reporters.

Misra added that most of the residents were sleeping at the time the fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday as the police said they were investigating the cause of the inferno.

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