New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday expressed grief over the tragic Malviya Nagar fire incident, in which 20 people have lost their lives so far, and dozens are injured. She offered condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. "The news of the loss of lives in the fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured," President Murmu said in a statement. 

At least 20 people were killed, and dozens were injured after a massive fire broke out at the multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant in Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning, officials said.  So far, 37 people were rescued and taken to the hospital, while a search for others is underway, they added. Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and rescue services are present at the scene and monitoring the situation.

Upon receiving the information, ten fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene. The fire was soon brought under control. However, the damage was extensive. Officials said that some people tried to jump from the upper floors of the building to save their lives. The injured have been sent to a nearby hospital. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.  The search and rescue operations are still ongoing at the site.  The rescue officials are trying to locate other people possibly trapped on different floors of the building.

--IANS