At least 17 people were killed as a massive fire swept through a hotel in central Delhi’s Karol Bagh area early Tuesday,

The Delhi government has ordered a magisterial probe. The fire broke out at Arpit Palace Hotel located on Gurudwara Road in Karol Bagh.

Police official said a  call about the fire was received at 4.35 am and 24 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, The dead includes a child.

According to eyewitnesses, most deaths were caused due to suffocation. They said wooden panelling in the corridors of the hotel contributed to the quick spread of the fire.

A fire department official said some fire extinguishers were found used suggesting people trapped inside tried to douse the fire in a bid to escape.