At least 15 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a devastating fire broke out at a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday. The incident triggered panic among students and staff, many of whom were forced to take desperate measures to escape the rapidly spreading flames and dense smoke.
According to preliminary information, the fire started in a three-storey commercial building that housed a coaching institute along with several other establishments, including a pet shop. Witnesses said the blaze quickly spread through the structure, trapping a number of students and employees inside.
As smoke engulfed the building and blocked evacuation routes, several students reportedly jumped from windows, balconies and ledges in an attempt to save themselves. Videos circulating from the scene showed people trying to escape through shattered windows while local residents gathered below to assist those trapped inside. Some of the injured sustained fractures and other injuries while attempting to flee the building.
Emergency services rushed to the spot shortly after receiving information about the incident. Teams from the fire department, police and district administration launched an extensive rescue operation. Multiple fire tenders were deployed to contain the blaze, while rescue personnel worked to evacuate those stranded inside the building. Thick smoke, however, posed a major challenge and slowed rescue efforts.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and provide all possible assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the site to assess the situation and monitor ongoing relief and rescue operations. He instructed authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure immediate medical care for the injured.
Initial reports suggest that a short circuit in an electrical board located on the ground floor may have sparked the fire. However, officials have said the exact cause will be established only after a detailed investigation. As a precautionary measure, nearby residential and commercial buildings were evacuated to prevent any further danger.
Authorities are continuing to assess the full impact of the incident, while efforts remain focused on determining the number of people present inside the building when the fire broke out. The tragedy has renewed concerns about fire safety compliance and emergency preparedness in educational institutions and commercial buildings.
