Lucknow Fire Tragedy: Owner Illegally Used Residential Building As Commercial Space Since 2014

Last Updated:June 22, 2026, 23:44 IST

At least 15 people were killed, and nine others sustained injuries after a massive fire engulfed a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area.

The three-storey building in which the massive blaze broke out in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, claiming 15 lives and injuring several others, was approved for residential use but was being used as a commercial space.

Preliminary findings revealed that the building had been approved for residential use but had allegedly been operating as a commercial establishment since 2014 in violation of regulations.

The property is operated by the Rameshwaram Group. Three individuals associated with the group – Virendra Shukla, Dhirendra Shukla and Surendra Pratap Shukla – were arrested on Monday.

Also Read: Lucknow Fire Tragedy: 3 Building Owners Arrested, 4 Officials Suspended After Massive Blaze Kills 15

The district administration has prepared a list of 16 people who could face action. Besides the owners, the list includes officials, engineers and other staff members allegedly responsible for allowing the building to function illegally as a commercial property.

Meanwhile, the authorities have also suspended four officials in connection with the case: Gaurav Kumar, Executive Engineer (Collection), Jankipuram; Kamlendra Kumar Singh, Food Safety and Standards Officer (FSSO), Indira Nagar; Anil Kumar, Assistant Engineer (AE); and Pramod Pandey, Junior Engineer (JE).

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the formation of a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Aliganj fire tragedy. The state government directed the SIT to complete its inquiry and submit its findings within seven days.

15 Killed, Nine Injured In Lucknow Fire Incident

At least 15 people were killed, and nine others sustained injuries after a massive fire engulfed a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday.

The building housed an animation training institute and a pet shop, with most of the victims reported to be young students.

Those rescued were rushed to nearby hospitals, where doctors declared 15 people dead on arrival. Seven of the injured remain under treatment, while officials said the condition of the others is being monitored.

People Jump, Climb Down Using Wires As Flames Engulf Building

The blaze erupted at around 3 pm in a three-storey commercial building on Usha Mehta Marg in Lucknow’s Purania area, sending thick clouds of smoke billowing into the air and sparking panic in the neighbourhood.

Also Read: Lucknow Fire Tragedy: UP Govt Orders SIT Probe, Forms Two-Member Panel

Several students were trapped on the second floor of the animation training institute as the fire rapidly spread through the building. Officials said the exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

According to eyewitnesses, some people were seen jumping from the building in a desperate attempt to escape the flames.

Some people climbed down using overhead wires in a desperate bid to escape the flames, while others smashed the building’s glass windows in an attempt to let the dense smoke escape and create openings for those trapped inside to evacuate.

Rescue teams later reached those trapped by accessing the terrace of a neighbouring building and drilling two large openings through the wall of the affected structure, allowing them to evacuate victims even as the fire continued to rage.

The structure also housed a pet clinic, where rescue teams managed to save several animals caught inside during the firefighting operation.

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Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st...Read More

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