Lagatar24 Desk
Lucknow: At least 14 people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a building housing a coaching centre in the Aliganj area of northwest Lucknow on Monday, with several students jumping from the first floor to escape the blaze as the fire raged for over an hour before being brought under control.
Fire Spreads Rapidly Through Three-Storey Building
The building, located in a commercial area, housed a coaching centre, a pet shop, and other stores. Witnesses said the fire broke out on the upper floor and spread quickly, shattering windows and trapping several people inside. Videos from the scene showed a man falling while attempting to escape through a shattered window, injuring himself as he fell onto a fence. Some bystanders were seen helping him and carrying him to safety.
Students as Young as 16-17 Among Victims
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the scene to monitor rescue efforts, said children had come to the coaching centre to learn animation and were around 16 to 17 years old. He said fire brigade personnel and NDRF teams were inside the building conducting searches room by room, with visibility hampered by heavy smoke from wooden furniture inside. A high-level inquiry into the incident has been ordered.
Five to Seven Students Jumped From the Building
Witnesses said five to seven students jumped from the coaching centre on the first floor to escape, with at least one suffering broken bones. Police and fire teams reached the spot and brought the blaze under control after over an hour of firefighting operations.
PM Modi Announces Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to contact the affected families and provide all possible assistance.
