Fire In AC Duct Likely Triggered Blaze That Killed 15 In Lucknow Building: Minister

Last Updated:June 23, 2026, 03:04 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 on Monday.

The deadly fire that claimed 15 lives in a multi-storey building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday is suspected to have originated in the building’s air-conditioning (AC) duct, Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A. K. Sharma said, citing preliminary findings, according to PTI.

Sharma said the blaze is believed to have started in the AC duct, while thick smoke rapidly spread through the building. He added that the absence of a proper emergency exit likely led to widespread suffocation, trapping many of those inside.

Also Read: No Emergency Exit, Single Staircase: How Safety Lapses Turned Lucknow Coaching Hub Into A Death Trap

The minister said authorities would investigate all possible violations of building and fire safety norms as part of the ongoing probe into the incident.

People Jump, Climb Down Using Wire As Massive Blaze Engulfs Building

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.

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.

Also Read: Approved As Residential, Illegally Used As Commercial Space: What Led To Lucknow Fire That Killed 15

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.

Major Security Lapses Emerge After Deadly Fire

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 building had been issued a demolition order over unauthorised construction in 2016. However, the order was revoked in less than two months.

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

Authorities have found that the structure reportedly had only one staircase that served both as the entry and exit route.

There was no dedicated emergency exit, no alternative evacuation route and, according to investigators, an automatic gate system further complicated escape efforts when panic-stricken students rushed towards the lone exit.

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.

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Prisha Vibhavari

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