Lucknow: At least 14 people were killed after a massive fire engulfed a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving firefighters, police personnel, NDRF, SDRF and Civil Defence teams.
The blaze broke out at a building located on Usha Mehta Marg in the Purania locality, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and causing panic among residents and occupants. Rescue operations continued for several hours before the fire was brought under control.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed that 14 people had lost their lives in the incident. Most of the victims are believed to have been young people who were inside the building when the fire broke out.
Earlier in the day, officials had expressed concern that several people might still be trapped inside the smoke-filled structure. Rescue teams carried out room-by-room searches following reports that some occupants had taken shelter inside washrooms while trying to escape the flames.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
“Anguished by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the incident.
The rescue effort was marked by confusion over the number of people inside the building. Earlier, Brajesh Pathak told media that children who had escaped informed authorities that some students could still be trapped inside washrooms.
Initial reports suggested that a coaching institute operated from the building. However, senior police officials later clarified that the premises housed a pet shop on the ground floor, while the upper floors were being used as an animation and gaming-related centre. Animals trapped inside the pet shop were rescued during the operation.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cut short a programme in Aligarh after receiving information about the fire and announced a high-level inquiry.
“I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I have asked the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to reach the spot and present a report. I am also proceeding there myself so that the matter can be thoroughly investigated, those responsible can be punished and condolences can be conveyed to the affected families,” he said.
According to reports, the fire department received information about the blaze around 3 pm and deployed 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
