Flames leap out of a window at the Oberoi on Thursday. (PTI)

A daylong vigil outside the burning Oberoi ends with 30 of the 35 hostages walking free and the army storming the complex.

Morning

After an endless night of vigil interspersed with three loud explosions from the Oberoi, the arrival of the NSG team from Delhi sparks a buzz.

As over 100 commandos enter the Oberoi, reports come in of terrorists positioning themselves on the 19th floor with hostages. Sources in the anti-terror squad say US intelligence officials are among those held hostage.

Mumbai police commissioner Hassan Gafoor stands in charge of his men outside the Oberoi. Instructions given, he leaves an hour later.

Vice-Admiral J.S. Bedi, chief of the western naval command, and GOC western command Major General R.K. Hooda arrive in a white Ambassador. They say four-five terrorists are holed up inside the hotel along with 40 hostages.

Afternoon

Around 1pm, a loud explosion is heard from the Oberoi. Two more follow. Soon, terrorists start lobbing hand-grenades from the 19th floor. At least five grenades are thrown.

Two more explosions are heard from inside the hotel, where intense firing rages on.

Around 5pm, 30 hostages walk out of the Oberoi holding up their hands. Police officials say 35 more hostages are trapped inside.

According to the evacuated guests, Turkish nationals are trapped in a room attacked by the terrorists. An Italian national is also believed to have been killed. Ambulances carry away at least five bodies.

Evening

Firemen rush to put out the flames engulfing the Oberoi. More gunshots are heard. Late in the evening, more army personnel enter the complex.