New Delhi, June 4 -- A resident who joined rescue efforts during the fire tragedy at a hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar, which claimed 21 lives, said people trapped inside were banging on glass windows for help, prompting locals to throw bricks to break the panes and facilitate their escape.

Speaking to ANI, the resident recalled rushing to the spot after being alerted by his tenant and witnessing people desperately trying to get out of the burning building.

"My tenant came running and said, 'Brother, a fire has broken out.' I immediately rushed straight into her room and asked, 'Where is the fire?' She said, 'It's outside.' When I came into this lane, people inside were banging their hands against the glass windows. They were hitting it ...