Delhi: 17 killed in fire at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh; 2 jumped off the building

New Delhi, Feb 12: At least 17 people were killed in the fire that broke out in Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, Delhi earlier on Tuesday. The fire was brought under control around 7 am. Fire officials said a call about the fire was received at 4.35 am and 24 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. A woman and a child, among those dead, were killed when they tried jumping from a window, reports said.

Thirty-five people were rescued and those injured were taken to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Balan Mani, Delhi Hotel Association Vice President said,''It was due to fire in ducting because of which it had spread to the hotel rooms. All norms were followed here; license is issued only after inspection. Mishappening can occur in a house as well.''

The recuse operation was called off around 9:50 am and cooling process was started.

Sunil Choudhary, Deputy Chief, Fire Officer speaking to ANI said,''Fire has been doused. Bodies are being taken out now. Rescue operation underway.''

According to reports, 27 fire tenders have been pressed into action. TV reports say that several people tried to save their lives by jumping off from the fourth floor.

"Cause of the fire is yet to be investigated. 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The rescue operation is over. There was a wooden paneling on the corridor because of which people were not able to use corridors to evacuate, therefore two people jumped off the building," Vipin Kental, a fire official said, ANI reported. He further informed that the hotel did have NOC, and exit passages.

Karol Bagh, in central Delhi, is popular with tourists and lined with hotels and markets.