A fire ripped through a hotel in New Delhi Wednesday morning, killing at least 21 people, many of them foreign nationals, police said.
The blaze broke out at the Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast in a congested southern neighborhood. Delhi Police confirmed the death toll, calling it "profound sorrow."
Most of the foreign victims were from Central Asia and Africa, according to the Press Trust of India. Many had traveled to the city for medical treatment.
More than 40 people were taken to hospitals, with eight in critical condition. Local lawmaker Satish Upadhyay said 47 guests were inside when the fire started.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deaths "tragic."
Eyewitnesses reported that some trapped guests jumped from upper floors onto mattresses laid out by residents.
The hotel reportedly had only one door for entry and exit and lacked proper ventilation. An inquiry has been ordered.
The cause of the fire-one of the deadliest in the capital in recent years-remains unclear. Building fires are common in India due to poor safety regulation compliance.