NEW DELHI: At least 21 people were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in India’s capital, New Delhi, on Wednesday, police said, in one of the deadliest fire incidents reported in the city in recent years.

The hotel was located in the Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi, a largely residential neighbourhood popular among students and young professionals.

Police said at least 40 people had been rescued from the building as emergency teams continued search and rescue operations.

Television footage showed thick smoke billowing from the multi-storey structure, with flames engulfing parts of the building and charred exteriors visible from nearby streets. The footage also appeared to show two people jumping from an upper floor in an attempt to escape the blaze.

Local administration official Jitendra Kumar said a restaurant was operating on the ground floor of the building and initial indications suggested the fire may have been linked to the establishment.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, while rescue teams continued efforts to ensure no one remained trapped inside.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

Modi described the tragedy as heartbreaking and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.

Officials said the death toll could be revised as rescue and identification efforts continue.