A devastating blaze ripped through a commercial building in central Delhi in the early hours of this morning. The death toll has climbed to at least 21. Among the dead are foreign nationals. The UK government has swiftly offered consular assistance.
Whitehall sources confirm the Foreign Office is in contact with Indian authorities. The exact number of British nationals affected remains unclear. A rapid response team is on standby. Embassy staff are being deployed.
This is a fast-moving picture. The scene is chaotic. Rescue operations are ongoing. Firefighters battled through the night. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Initial reports suggest a short circuit. But nothing is confirmed.
Westminster will be watching closely. The Prime Minister is expected to make a statement later today. Any suggestion of a delayed or inadequate response will be weaponised by the opposition.
The politics of disaster are brutal. Every minute counts. The Foreign Office knows this. They are moving.
One source puts it bluntly: "This is a consular crisis. We have to get it right."
The building housed several businesses and a budget hotel. Many of the victims were likely migrant workers. Rescue workers fear more bodies will be found.
India's Prime Minister has expressed condolences. He has promised a thorough investigation. But for now, the focus is on the survivors. And the dead.
For the UK, the priority is identifying any British victims and supporting their families. The consular team will be liaising with local hospitals and mortuaries.
This story will dominate the next news cycle. Expect questions in the Commons. Expect finger-pointing if there are delays.
The game is already underway.
