NEW DELHI, INDIA – 17 people lost their lives and at least four others were injured in a fire that engulfed a poorly constructed Budget Hotel in central New Delhi Tuesday.
Most of the victims suffocated to death, according to a government official.
The hotel developer had a permit from the fire department to build up to four stories, which is the standard height in central New Delhi.
But government officials said the building appeared to have six floors, including a basement and kitchen built on top of the roof.
Rescuers had to use the windows to reach people trapped inside because wood paneling in the corridors and stairwells fed the flames.
Authorities are still investigating what sparked the deadly blaze.
