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Hotel inferno - South Delhi reels after catastrophic fire kills 21, injures dozens more

"At least 21 people were killed, with dozens more injured, after a catastrophic fire broke out at a five-storey building in South Delhi's Hauz Rani area on Wednesday. Footage captured on Thursday shows locals gathering outside the charred hotel with police officers cordoning off the area. Family members of victims are also seen waiting outside the MAX Super Specialty hospital, where some of the injured are receiving treatment. "I saw a woman jump from an upper floor near where Delhi Police officers were standing. Many other people were gathered at the windows, trying to escape and save their lives," local Wasim Khan remarked. Khan said residents rushed to bring mattresses to help rescue people trapped inside the building, while others managed to escape using the stairs. "I also contacted the owner of the hotel, Lovkesh Bajaj, to inform him about the fire [...] I repeatedly called the fire brigade, 14 times in a row, seeking urgent assistance," he continued. Initial reports indicated that Bajaj fled the scene during the fire but was arrested hours later. A Saket Court has already sent him to four-day police custody under charges of culpable homicide. Initial reports indicate that Bajaj briefly fled the scene before being arrested hours later. He was subsequently placed in four-day police custody by a Saket Court for charges of culpable homicide. Hotel manager Jai Mishra is reportedly on the run and evading law enforcement. The properties allegedly operated without the mandatory documentation and licenses required for a valid fire safety clearance. More than 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals, with most victims from other countries such as Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Congo, and Bangladesh, and out-of-town Indian families staying near MAX Hospital for medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly expressed grief over the tragic hotel fire, extending his heartfelt thoughts to the families of the 21 victims and announcing Rs 2 Lakh (2000 dollars) in compensation."