The hotel was located in Malviya ​Nagar in south Delhi, they said, a ⁠predominantly residential area popular with students ​and young professionals.

At least 40 people have been ​rescued so far, police said.

Television visuals showed a building on fire, smoke billowing out and charred ​exteriors as residents watched from a narrow ​lane nearby.

They also showed two people jumping from a ‌higher ⁠floor of the building.

“There was reportedly a restaurant operating on the ground floor of the building … it is most likely ​that the fire ​was ⁠connected to that restaurant,” local administration official Jitendra Kumar told reporters.

Prime ​Minister Narendra Modi said the loss ​of ⁠lives was tragic and extended his heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their ⁠loved ​ones and wished a ​speedy recovery to the injured.