Fire Rages Through High-Rise in New Delhi; 3 Killed, 80 Hurt

NEW DELHI —  Fire raged through a high-rise office building in New Delhi today, trapping more than 300 people on upper floors for several hours. Hospital officials said three people were killed and 80 injured.

Firefighters rigged a rope and bamboo bridge between the burning building and a partially built high-rise nearby and led some people to safety. Others were guided down the burning building’s staircases. Many emerged crying and choking from smoke.

The fire apparently started on the sixth floor and worked its way upward.

As the fire spread through the building, many people were seen on the roof, waving and screaming for help.

Six women were lifted off the roof by air force helicopters before operations were suspended for fear the rotors would fan the flames.

Of the three people killed in the blaze, two burned to death and another fell from a fire ladder.

Fifteen people were hospitalized, most because of smoke inhalation, hospital officials said. Another 65 people were treated for minor injuries, the officials reported.

The fire in the 11-story Ansal Bhavan Building began at about 10:30 a.m. It was declared under control about five hours later.

Authorities said an electrical short circuit in an office in the building apparently caused the fire.