NEW DELHI, Feb. 12 (CGTN) -- A massive fire broke out before dawn at Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi on Tuesday, leaving at least 17 dead, local media said.

An earlier report by ANI said nine people were killed in the blaze and seven were injured. Among the dead were a woman and a child who tried to escape by jumping from a window.

Most of the victims were sleeping when the fire broke out. It was believed to have been caused by a short circuit.

The fire has been contained, according to a fire brigade official, adding that those injured have been hospitalized.