At least 14 students were killed after a massive fire broke out at a building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, with several others trapped and some forced to jump from the first floor to escape the flames, officials said.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed the death toll and said four injured students have been admitted to the KGMC Trauma Centre.
The blaze, which started on the top floor of the three-storey commercial building, spread rapidly and took over an hour to bring under control. The building also houses a gaming zone, pet accessories shop, pet clinic, and other stores.
Witnesses reported seeing several students jumping from the first floor. A video circulating online shows a man attempting to escape through a shattered window, losing his grip and falling onto a fence before hitting the ground. Bystanders rushed to help him, and he is currently undergoing treatment.
Deputy Chief Minister Pathak, who visited the scene to oversee rescue efforts, said, “Fourteen children have lost their lives in the incident. Four have been injured, who have been admitted to the KGMC Trauma Centre. 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.”
Authorities have completed search operations at the site and confirmed 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.
President Droupadi Murmu termed the incident “heartbreaking”.
“The news of the deaths of numerous people in the horrific fire accident that occurred in Lucknow is extremely heartbreaking. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” she wrote.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of Rs2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs50,000 for the injured.
“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,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Aligarh, cancelled all engagements and rushed to Lucknow. He directed officials to contact affected families and provide all possible assistance.
