At least five Bangladeshis were injured and one remained missing as a fire ripped through a hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, killing 21 mostly foreigners. 

Officials at Bangladesh mission in New Delhi said that 12 Bangladeshis, mostly patients, were staying in the hotel and of them three injured critically were taken to the Incentive Care Unit at a nearby hospital.

The officials said that they were trying to reach out to the Bangladeshis injured in the incident as they could not get their identities yet.

The Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi on Wednesday said so far five Bangladeshis could be traced as injured due to the fire that killed at least 21  people and injured several others, the United News of Bangladesh reported from Dhaka.

‘So far five Bangladeshi nationals could be traced as injured. Three are receiving treatment in Max Hospital in Saket and two more are receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital,’ said the high commission in New Delhi.

The mission is in constant contact with the authorities and is closely monitoring their condition and well-being.

The high commission conveyed deep condolences following the tragic incident of fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. ‘Our heartfelt condolences go to all the bereaved families and sincere sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy.’

Bangladesh wished speedy recovery of the injured and commended the tireless efforts of the rescue and emergency response personnel.

The building in the Malviya Nagar neighbourhood in the southern part of the city had a restaurant on the ground floor and a hotel above.

The predominantly residential area is densely populated and is popular with students and young professionals.

The blaze was extinguished with the help of eight fire engines, and more than 40 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals, Delhi police said in a statement.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately known, reports AP.

Images from the scene showed firefighters trying to douse the blaze as thick smoke billowed from the building. Some people trapped inside were seen hanging from windows and shouting for help as flames and smoke swept through parts of the building.

Local residents also joined rescue efforts, helping evacuate people trapped inside and carrying some of the injured to safety.

Some of the victims were foreign nationals who had travelled to India for medical treatment, AP reported quoting local media.

Many foreign patients travel to New Delhi for medical treatment and often stay in nearby hotels or residential accommodation during their visits.