Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, June 22: At least 15 people, including students, have been killed in a devastating fire that broke out in a three-storeyed building on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj area in Lucknow on Monday afternoon.
Authorities have so far confirmed 15 casualties and expressed the apprehension that the toll could rise further as several people were believed to be still trapped inside as the rescue operations was continuing.
As the fire was brought under control, stretchers were taken inside through an adjacent building. Rescue personnel created a hole in the wall to facilitate the movement of stretchers into the affected structure. Officials believe that four to five people may still be trapped inside, while 15 deaths have been reported so far.
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who was on a tour in Aligarh district, cancelled all his fixtures and returned to Lucknow. Later he visited the accident site and expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident. He also announced ex-gratia payment of Rs five lakhs each to the next of the kin of the deceased in the fire.
President Droupadi Murmu termed the incident “heart-breaking.” “The news of the deaths of numerous people in the horrific fire accident that occurred in Lucknow is extremely heart-breaking. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” she wrote.
Earlier, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would receive ₹50,000. The PM said he was anguished by the loss of lives in the fire incident in Lucknow, and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured and said rescue operations were underway, with authorities providing all possible assistance.
The chief minister directed senior officials to immediately reach out to the affected families and provide all possible assistance. He also instructed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for those injured in the fire.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, “The rescue operation is expected to be completed in a few minutes… Our priority is to ensure the safe rescue of all the children. Most of them have already been evacuated.”
Detailing the ongoing rescue efforts, Pathak said firefighters adopted innovative methods to gain access to the building. “Fire brigade personnel gained entry by breaking through a wall on the second floor of an adjacent house. Due to heavy smoke, exhaust fans have been installed, and a room-by-room search operation is underway. Every single room has been searched, and the washrooms have been checked,” he said.
Mr Pathak said several people were trapped after the fire erupted, forcing some students to jump from the first floor. The fire raged for over an hour and at least 15 bodies were recovered after it was brought under control.
“Authorities have completed the search operation at the site and confirmed that no children remain trapped. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible, with no leniency. The government has reiterated its full support to the affected families and all necessary assistance will be provided,” he added.
“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,” Mr Pathak said.
The building, located in a commercial area, has a gaming zone, pet accessories shop, pet clinic and other stores apart from the coaching centre. Witnesses said several people jumped from the centre, which is on the first floor, and a video shows a man falling while attempting to escape.
In one video, the man can be seen climbing out of what appears to be a shattered window of the building. The man tries to hang on to a ledge but can’t hold on, falling onto a fence before hitting the ground. Some people are seen helping him up and carrying him to safety. He suffered injuries and is undergoing treatment.
A witness said, “It’s a three-storey building. The fire broke out on the top floor and spread quickly. Some of the windows were shattered as part of the rescue efforts.” Bystanders said several people, including students, were trapped inside the building after the fire broke out. “Five to seven students jumped. One of them also suffered broken bones,” said another witness.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding fire safety compliance in educational institutions operating from commercial buildings. Experts stress the importance of functional fire exits, emergency evacuation plans, fire alarms and regular safety audits to minimise risks during emergencies. Authorities are likely to review safety protocols as part of the investigation into the incident.
