Lucknow: At least 15 people lost their lives after a devastating fire engulfed a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, prompting authorities to order an inquiry into the tragedy and raising fresh concerns over fire safety standards in India’s commercial establishments.
The blaze broke out at around 2:45 pm local time in a building housing a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation and 3D gaming training centre on the upper floors. Thick smoke and flames rapidly spread through the building, trapping dozens of trainees and employees inside after the only staircase was engulfed by fire.
Rescue teams, including firefighters and disaster response personnel, launched a challenging operation by reaching the terrace through a neighbouring building before breaking through a side wall to evacuate those trapped. Witnesses described harrowing scenes as people climbed down power cables or jumped from windows in desperate attempts to escape the flames.
Several victims managed to call their families while trapped inside the smoke-filled building. Relatives recounted emotional final conversations, with some victims seeking refuge in washrooms before losing contact.
Officials said the building lacked emergency exits, significantly hampering evacuation efforts. Family members also alleged that a biometric entry system restricted movement within parts of the premises, making escape even more difficult.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed that an inquiry has been launched into the incident. Authorities have also directed officials to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Police have registered cases related to endangering life and arrested four individuals in connection with the fire. Additionally, four public officials have been suspended pending investigation.
The Lucknow tragedy comes less than a month after another deadly fire at a bed-and-breakfast in New Delhi claimed multiple lives, once again highlighting persistent violations of fire safety regulations in densely occupied commercial buildings across India. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire while rescue and relief efforts remain ongoing.
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