New Delhi: As flames and thick smoke engulfed a bed-and-breakfast building in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning, local residents sprang into action, breaking windows, spreading mattresses on the ground and risking their own safety to rescue people trapped inside the burning structure.

The devastating blaze claimed at least 21 lives, many of them foreign nationals staying at the hotel, while dozens of others were rescued and rushed to hospitals.

Residents turn first responders

Among those who joined the rescue effort was local resident Israr Khan, who helped evacuate people trapped inside the building.

"All of us have been here since morning. We reached the spot at around 8 am. We rescued a kid who jumped from the higher floor. We rescued all the people trapped in the hotel and took them to Safdarjung Hospital," Khan told PTI.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people screamed for help from upper floors while smoke rapidly spread through the building.

Anita Chaudhary, who lives nearby, said loud blasts alerted residents to the disaster.

"I heard multiple blast-like sounds and then screams from inside the building. People were shouting for help, and some were jumping from windows in a desperate attempt to save themselves. There was chaos all around, and residents rushed towards the building to help those trapped inside," she said.

Another local resident, Sher Khan, recalled watching the fire intensify within minutes.

"I was going to the shop in the morning. There was a small fire here at first, then it kept increasing. As the fire increased, it seemed as if there was no way to jump from here. People spread mattresses, and some from the 3rd floor jumped on it with a little kid... She was saying that she fractured her leg. The public made a lot of effort. However, the situation becomes intense as time passes..." he told ANI.

Mattresses, blankets and broken windows

Residents said they used whatever resources they could find to help those trapped.

Sanjay Goyal, among the first people to reach the site, said neighbours worked together before emergency services arrived.

"We saw thick smoke billowing from the building and realised people were trapped inside. Residents gathered blankets and quilts and tried to assist those who were trying to come out. We broke glass windows to create escape routes and managed to rescue several people. People inside were continuously screaming for help and everyone present tried to do whatever they could before the arrival of emergency services," he said.

According to Goyal, bystanders even threw stones at the windows to shatter the glass and create escape routes for occupants.

Another eyewitness, Vijai Jaishwal, said he noticed smoke rising from the building while passing through the area around 8.30 am.

"As soon as I saw smoke, I alerted others and one of my friends immediately called the fire brigade. The inn was known to accommodate a large number of foreign visitors, many of whom came to Delhi for medical treatment because of its proximity to major hospitals in the area," he said.

One of the most dramatic rescue attempts involved a woman holding a young child.

"A woman holding a young child jumped from the third floor after local residents spread mattresses on the ground below in an attempt to save those trapped inside," an eyewitness said.

The woman landed on one of the mattresses with the child and was immediately taken to a hospital.

According to AIIMS officials, 13 patients were brought to the hospital, including three who had fallen from a height and were in critical condition. Ten others rescued by Delhi Police were also admitted. Authorities said 28 more injured persons were taken to Max Hospital and Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the tragedy.

"The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations. My condolences are with those who have lost their loved ones in this heart-wrenching tragedy. May God grant strength to the bereaved families to bear this sorrow. The injured are being provided with the best medical facilities. I pray for the swift recovery of all the injured."