Massive Fire at Lucknow Commercial Complex Kills at Least 15

The blaze reportedly erupted inside the complex and spread rapidly, triggering panic among those present.

The blaze reportedly erupted inside the complex and spread rapidly, triggering panic among those present.

LUCKNOW: At least 15 people, mostly youngsters, have died after a massive fire broke out at a commercial complex housing a coaching centre and gaming zone in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday afternoon. The blaze reportedly erupted inside the complex and spread rapidly, triggering panic among those present. Fire brigade teams, police personnel and district administration officials rushed to the spot and launched a large-scale rescue and evacuation operation. Harrowing visuals from the scene showed people jumping from the first floor of the building to escape as thick smoke and flames engulfed the premises. Several people were reported injured in the incident. Officials said 15 deaths have been declared so far by the Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS), Trauma Centre and Dr Premraj Singh. Fire department personnel continued rescue and cooling operations to check whether anyone else was trapped inside the building. Taking cognisance of the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and directed senior officials to immediately reach the site and supervise rescue and relief operations. The chief minister instructed authorities to speed up evacuation efforts, ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and provide all possible assistance to those affected. He also directed the police and district administration to submit a detailed report on the incident, including the cause of the fire and any possible safety lapses. Yogi Adityanath also cut short his visit to Aligarh in view of the Aliganj fire and is returning to Lucknow. The chief minister will visit the site of the incident after reaching the city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Lucknow fire and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident and are examining whether any negligence or violation of safety norms contributed to the tragedy.