At least 18 foreign nationals were among some 21 people killed Wednesday when a fire ripped through a hotel in the Indian capital, New Delhi, according to local media.
This is one of the deadliest blazes in Delhi in recent years, while building fires are common in the country due to a lack of firefighting equipment and routine disregard for safety regulations.
The fire broke out in the morning at Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast in a congested neighborhood in the south of the city, Delhi Police said in a statement.
"It is with profound sorrow that 21 persons have been declared dead in this tragic incident," the force said.
It said search and rescue operations were continuing, with more than 40 people taken to hospitals for treatment.
