At least 18 people were killed in a devastating fire at a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced ex gratia compensation. Authorities launched rescue operations and an investigation into the tragic incident.
At least 18 people lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out in a three-storey commercial building in the Purania area of Aliganj, Lucknow, on Monday. The tragic incident triggered panic among students and visitors present inside the building, which housed a coaching centre, a gaming zone, and several other establishments.
According to police officials, the fire erupted during the afternoon hours and quickly spread through the structure, filling the building with thick smoke. The rapid spread of flames left many occupants trapped inside, while others desperately searched for ways to escape.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing dense smoke billowing from the building before the fire engulfed large sections of the premises. As exit routes became blocked by flames and smoke, panic-stricken students rushed toward windows and the rooftop. In an attempt to save their lives, several individuals reportedly jumped from the upper floors and terrace, suffering serious injuries.
Authorities said that most of the deceased were between 20 and 24 years old, highlighting the tragic loss of young lives in the incident. Several injured persons were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while emergency responders continued rescue efforts at the scene.
Multiple teams from the fire brigade, police department, and district administration were deployed to control the blaze and evacuate those trapped inside. Senior officials, including the District Magistrate and Police Commissioner, personally supervised the rescue and relief operations.
Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the intensity of the fire and heavy smoke inside the building. In a bid to reach trapped occupants, emergency personnel drilled a hole through one of the building’s walls, creating an alternative escape route. Their efforts helped evacuate several individuals from the smoke-filled structure.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have launched a detailed probe to determine how the blaze started and whether any safety violations contributed to the tragedy. Officials are expected to examine the building’s fire safety arrangements, emergency exits, and compliance with regulations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He announced ex gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), stating that the next of kin of each deceased victim would receive Rs 2 lakh, while those injured would be provided Rs 50,000.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also conveyed his grief over the incident. Cutting short his visit to Aligarh, the Chief Minister returned to Lucknow to meet the injured victims undergoing treatment in hospitals. In a social media message, he described the tragedy as extremely heartbreaking and offered condolences to the affected families while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
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As rescue operations concluded and investigations began, the Lucknow fire tragedy has raised fresh concerns about fire safety standards in commercial buildings. Authorities are expected to conduct further inspections and review safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has left the city in mourning, with families, residents, and officials united in grief over one of the deadliest fire accidents witnessed in the region in recent times.
