14 killed in Lucknow coaching centre blaze

At least 14 persons were killed in a major fire that broke out in a three-storey building in the Purania area of Aliganj here on Monday, UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said.

In a post on X, Pathak said: "We have received the extremely distressing news of a massive fire breaking out at a coaching centre located in Purania (Sector D), Lucknow. The injured are being admitted to hospitals for treatment. Necessary instructions have been issued to the officials for the proper treatment of the injured and for every possible assistance.

"A team of specialist doctors, along with six ambulances, is present at the incident site. I am personally heading to the incident site. I pray to God that all the injured recover their health soon."

The deceased are said to be in the age group of 20 to 24 years.

The incident triggered panic and raised fears that casualties may rise further. The blaze erupted in a coaching centre operating inside the building, rapidly filling the entire premises with thick smoke and sparking chaos among students and others present.

In a desperate bid to escape, some individuals jumped down from the upper floors and the terrace, sustaining serious injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a major fire at a coaching centre in Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow, and announced ex gratia for the victims.

"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," he said in a post on X.The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.

"Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs 50,000,” he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Aligarh, cut short his visit to return to Lucknow. He expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families.

"The loss of lives in the fire accident in Lucknow is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed souls attain peace and the injured recover swiftly," CM Adityanath said in a post on X.

Eyewitnesses said smoke was first noticed billowing out of the building in the afternoon, and within a short span, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire structure.

With exit routes blocked by flames and smoke, panic-stricken students rushed towards windows and the rooftop. Some even leapt to the ground to save their lives.

Several teams of the fire brigade, police and administration rushed to the spot. Senior officials, including the District Magistrate and Police Commissioner, were present at the site supervising the rescue and relief operations.

Indo-Asian News Service