At least 17 dead as fire breaks out in hotel in Delhi’s Karol Bagh

At least 17 people were killed when a fire broke out in a hotel in Delhi’s Karol Bagh. The fire broke out on the fourth and fifth floors of Hotel Arpit Palace. NDTV reports that there were about 150 people in the hotel. The fire occurred at about 4 am, and over two dozen fire engines were sent to the spot.

The report says: “Video recorded on cellphones by eye-witnesses showed huge flames crowning the terrace of the large, white building. A person is seen dangling from the terrace and then jumping off.” NDTV also said about 35 people were rescued and three were injured. The fire was contained by 7 am. The report added: “A woman and a child, among those dead, were killed when they tried jumping from a window.”

Hindustan Times confirmed with deputy commissioner of police MS Randhava and chief fire officer Atul Garg that there were 17 casualties. Indian Express said the entire three-storey hotel had been “booked by a family which was in Delhi for a function”.

Cabinet minister Satyendra Jain told ANI that an inquiry had been ordered.

ANI also spoke to Balan Mani, vice president of the Delhi Hotel Association, who said the fire occurred due to “fire in ducting”.

Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit expressed her grief over the incident.