At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out in a commercial building housing a coaching centre in the Aliganj area of Lucknow on Monday, triggering a major rescue operation and raising fresh concerns over fire safety compliance in educational and commercial establishments.
The fire erupted during the afternoon hours and rapidly spread through the building, trapping students and other occupants inside. Rescue teams, firefighters and police personnel rushed to the scene as panic-stricken occupants attempted to escape through windows and staircases.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos, with several people jumping from upper floors to save themselves from flames and thick smoke engulfing parts of the structure.
Officials said at least 15 people lost their lives in the incident, while several others sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue operations continued for hours to ensure that no one remained trapped inside the affected premises.
Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. The focus is expected to be on the building’s fire-safety measures, emergency exits and compliance with mandatory safety regulations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. In a message, he said he was anguished by the loss of lives in the fire incident and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed sorrow over the incident. In a post on social media, he described the deaths and injuries in the coaching centre fire as heartbreaking, extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The incident has once again brought attention to safety standards in coaching centres and commercial buildings, particularly those operating in densely populated urban areas.
Further details regarding the identities of the victims and findings of the investigation were awaited at the time of filing.
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