A fire broke out in Delhi, India and killed at least 21 people, including foreign nationals who were working in the city. The blaze spread quickly through a building, trapping people inside. Emergency crews arrived and rescued many people, but the death toll made this one of Delhi's deadlier fires in recent years.
Delhi experiences frequent fires because many old buildings lack proper safety features like fire escapes and working alarms. The city's fire department responds to thousands of fires each year, but older buildings in crowded neighborhoods are especially dangerous. Many foreign workers live in these older buildings because the rent is cheaper than newer areas.
The people killed and injured included workers from other countries who came to India to find jobs in construction, services, and other industries. Families of victims are struggling to identify loved ones and arrange travel home. India's government said it would help families of foreign nationals with support and transportation.
Indian authorities are investigating what caused the fire and whether safety rules were broken. Building inspectors will likely check other old structures in Delhi to find fire hazards. The incident may push the government to enforce stricter safety standards in residential buildings across the city.