New Delhi | The Delhi Police has filed an FIR under charges of culpable homicide in the hotel fire tragedy in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar, that killed at least 21 people on Wednesday, officials said.

A massive fire broke out at a bed-and-breakfast in a five-storey building in the south Delhi locality early Wednesday.

Many of the deceased were foreign nationals. Several injured were rushed to hospitals.

The foreigners were mainly from Central Asian and African countries, officials said.

The death toll may rise as at least 26 people were said to be in a critical state.

Those rescued include the relatives of the patients who are being treated at a nearby private hospital.

The blaze erupted at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, a congested locality in Malviya Nagar.

Earlier, officials said the fire started around 8.30 am at the nearby Lemon Green Restaurant, but police later clarified that it was sparked in the hotel building.

The building has a basement, ground floor and five upper floors, according to fire officer A K Malik.

The restaurant was being operated on the ground floor, while the rest of the building was being used as a hotel.

According to police sources, the hotel had only one entry-exit. The fire NOC is under scanner, they said.