At least 21 people were killed in a fire at a hotel in New Delhi, India, on June 3, authorities said.

The fire started at around 8:48 a.m. in the ground-floor restaurant of a five-storey building in the Malviya Nagar area of south New Delhi.

The building contained a restaurant and kitchen on the lower level, with hotel rooms on the upper floors.

Thick smoke quickly spread through the building, trapping many occupants.

More than 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.

Several injured victims remain in critical condition.

Firefighters responded with eight fire engines, two water tankers, and a rapid response vehicle.

Rescue operations continued for several hours before the fire was brought under control.

Authorities said several of the victims were foreign nationals.

Witnesses reported that some guests tried to escape through windows and balconies during the fire.

Local residents assisted in evacuating occupants before emergency teams arrived.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Authorities are also reviewing the building's licensing records and fire safety compliance.