A devastating fire swept through a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, claiming the lives 14 people, triggering a massive rescue operation and prompting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath to order a high-level probe into the tragedy.
The blaze broke out at a three-storey building located on Usha Mehta Marg in the Purnia locality, sending thick clouds of smoke billowing across the neighbourhood. Upon receipt of the information, emergency response teams, including firefighters, police personnel, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SRF) and Civil Defence Units rushed to the scene to rescue the ones trapped and contain the flames.
Visuals from the fire outbreak
Officials later confirmed that the fire had been put out and cooling operations were underway.
14 people die, search operation ends
Authorities said that 14 people, all aged between 20 and 24, died in the incident. The fatalities were confirmed hours after rescue teams had initially expressed hope that all occupants had been evacuated safely.
Earlier in the day, UP’s Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said that reports of people trapped inside remained unverified, though concerns persisted about missing occupants. As rescuers entered different sections of the smoke-filled structure, fears of casualties turned into confirmation of a major mishap.
Students jump from building to escape fire
Eyewitnesses detailed scenes of chaos as smoke engulfed the building rapidly, forcing several occupants to take desperate measures to save themselves. As per local residents, a number of students leaped from upper floors in a bid to escape the rapidly spreading fire. Several injured people were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Initial reports indicated that a coaching institute was operating from the premises. However, the senior police officials later clarified that a pet shop had been housed at the ground floor, while the upper floors were being used as an animation and gaming-related training centre. Several animals trapped inside the pet shop were rescued during the operation, according to officials.
Another still from the incident
CM expresses grief, seeks detailed report
UP Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath cut short an official programme in light of the incident and announced his immediate return to Lucknow. He expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed senior officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP), as well as the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to take stock of the scene and submit a detailed report.
He also assured that the bereaved families would receive all possible assistance and that those found responsible would face strict action.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Cause behind fire yet to be ascertained
As per reports, the fire department had received information about the blaze at around 3 pm, and deployed 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle to combat the flames.
Until now, the cause behind the fire has not been ascertained yet. Officials are expected to conduct a comprehensive forensic and structural investigation once cooling operations are completed and the building is declared safe for investigation.