A massive fire in a commercial building in India’s capital, Delhi, has killed at least 27 people and wounded scores more.

The four-story building near a railway station in the western suburb of Mundka caught fire late Friday afternoon, but the cause was not immediately known.

As hundreds watched on television, smoke billowed from the building’s windows, and firefighters assisted those stuck on the top stories in escaping. There were around 30 fire engines and ambulances on the site.

“We found 27 burnt dead from the building, and over two dozen others were injured,” said Satpal Bharadwaj, who was in charge of operations for the Delhi fire department at the time.

According to authorities, the fire started on the first level of the building, which houses the office of a security camera manufacturing firm.

Two of the company’s owners were detained on Saturday, according to authorities. The police have filed charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder as well as a criminal conspiracy, both of which are punished by life in prison or ten years in prison.

According to Atul Garg, head of the Delhi fire service, the structure did not have fire department approval and was not equipped with fire safety equipment such as extinguishers.

When the fire broke out, there were roughly 70 individuals in the building, according to Bharadwaj.

“There was no fire exit, and most of the individuals perished from asphyxiation,” Bharadwaj said, adding that examinations will reveal further information.

Sunil Choudhary, the deputy chief fire officer, said that “more than 25 persons” were hurt. Some people had leaped from the flaming building, according to Choudhary.

Meanwhile, NDTV claimed that more than 40 individuals were hospitalised after suffering burns.

Amit Mahajan, whose cousin and nephew were among those reported missing following the fire, claimed they were in the facility to “train personnel.”

“I went to all of the surrounding hospitals, but there was no sign of them.” “We have no idea where they are or how safe they are,” he said.

Poor construction techniques, congestion, and a lack of respect to safety norms are all too typical in India.

The Indian city, which has a population of 20 million people, is now experiencing a heat wave, with temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius in certain areas.

On Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathy.

“Deeply grieved by the deaths caused by a horrific fire in Delhi. My heart goes out to the grieving family. Modi remarked, “I wish the injured a swift recovery.”

“Shocked and heartbroken to learn about this awful tragedy,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted. I’m in frequent contact with cops. Our heroic firefighters are doing everything they can to put out the fire and save lives.”