A major fire at a commercial building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area killed at least 15 students on Monday, triggering a large emergency response and a high-level inquiry into how the blaze began and spread. Several people were trapped inside the building, while some students jumped from the first floor to escape the flames.
Firefighters and police teams rushed to the site in the northwestern part of the city and brought the blaze under control after more than an hour. Officials later recovered at least 14 bodies from the building. Four injured people were taken to the KGMC Trauma Centre for treatment.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the scene and said officials had completed the search operation.
“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,” Pathak said.
“Authorities have completed the search operation at the site and confirmed that 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.
The building stands in a commercial area and houses several businesses, including a gaming zone, pet accessories shop, pet clinic and other stores, along with the coaching centre on the first floor.
Witnesses Say Students Jumped From Building
Witnesses told several people, including students, became trapped after the fire broke out. Videos from the scene showed people trying to escape through windows. In one video, a man climbed out through what appeared to be a shattered window, tried to hold onto a ledge, then fell onto a fence before hitting the ground. Bystanders helped carry him to safety. He was injured and is undergoing treatment.
A witness said, “It’s a three-storey building. The fire broke out on the top floor and spread quickly. Some of the windows were shattered as part of the rescue efforts.”
“Five to seven students jumped. One of them also suffered broken bones,” said another witness.
President, Prime Minister Express Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu called the tragedy “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 said he was anguished by the deaths and announced Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each person killed, and Rs 50,000 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. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000: PM @narendramodi,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences, directed officials to contact affected families and provide all possible assistance. He was in Aligarh on Monday, but cancelled his scheduled engagements and rushed to Lucknow as authorities moved ahead with the inquiry.
