At least 14 people were killed after a massive fire broke out in a building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday.
Several students and staff members were trapped inside as flames spread through the structure, prompting desperate attempts to escape.
The fire, which burned for more than an hour, engulfed parts of the commercial building before firefighters brought it under control. Rescue teams later recovered 14 bodies from the site.
Some students jumped from the first floor of the building to save themselves as smoke and flames quickly filled the premises.
Students make desperate escape
The building houses a coaching centre along with a pet shop and other commercial establishments. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as people rushed to escape.
A video circulating on social media shows a man attempting to climb out of a shattered window. He appears to lose his grip while hanging from a ledge and falls onto a fence before hitting the ground.
Bystanders immediately rushed to help him and carried him to safety. Several others were rescued from the building during the operation.
Rescue efforts continue
Police, fire department personnel and emergency teams rushed to the spot soon after the blaze was reported. Firefighters battled the flames for over an hour before bringing the situation under control and launching a search operation inside the building.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the site to monitor rescue and relief efforts and review the situation with local officials.
“Fourteen children have lost their lives in the incident. Four have been injured, who have been admitted to the KGMC Trauma Centre. Instructions have been issued for a high-level inquiry. Our priority is providing the best possible medical treatment to the injured. Details on how and why the fire broke out will be clear only after the inquiry report,” Pathak said.
Leaders express condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives, and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the blaze.
The Prime Minister said rescue operations were underway and authorities were providing all possible assistance. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive Rs 50,000.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
He directed officials to remain in contact with the affected families and ensure that all possible assistance is provided to them. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire and examine whether safety norms were being followed at the building.