15 Die in Lucknow fire; many of the deceased were students; rescue teams battled the blaze for hours; PM Modi expresses grief
A massive fire at a commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday afternoon claimed 15 lives, sending a wave of shock through the city. The deceased included three women and 12 men; reports indicate that many of them were students.
The fire broke out around 2:15 PM. The ground floor housed a pet shop and a clinic, while the upper floors accommodated a library-cum-coaching center named 'Learning Space' and 'Head Hopper Studio' (a 3D art and game asset production company).
As smoke and flames rapidly engulfed the building, panic ensued among those inside. Some students reportedly locked themselves in the bathroom in a desperate bid to save themselves. One student, Jayant, jumped from the first floor to escape, while several others managed to climb down using electrical wires.
Fire Likely Caused by AC Short Circuit
Officials suspect the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit in an air-conditioner located in the basement, though the exact cause is currently under investigation. Teams from the SDRF and NDRF, along with approximately 10 fire tenders, were deployed to the site. Firefighters had to break down the building's rear wall during the rescue operation. Reports suggest the building lacked an emergency exit.
Grief and Questions Follow the Tragedy
The harrowing scenes at the site left many shaken. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak visited the location and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. CM Yogi Adityanath met the bereaved families and assured them that strict action would be taken against any negligence found during the investigation.
This incident has also raised questions regarding the safety arrangements inside the building. According to a colleague of one of the victims, the office entrance operated via a biometric thumb-impression system. It is alleged that the automatic lock did not open immediately during the emergency, making it even more difficult for those trapped inside to escape.
Officials have initiated an investigation into the actual cause of the fire and any violations of safety regulations.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
PM Modi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He noted that rescue operations are underway and that the authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.
The Prime Minister announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X;
“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.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”