Lucknow fire tragedy: 'Students jumped out of building', at least 15 killed; PM Modi condoles deaths - what we know so far

NEW DELHI: Several young students have been killed after massive fire broke out at a coaching-cum-gaming zone in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday, while several others are reported to have suffered injuries.Fourteen fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were pressed into service after a fire broke out around 3 pm in a building on Usha Mehta Marg in Lucknow's Aliganj area. While Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the site, said the fire erupted at an animation centre,while fire department officials said that it originated in a coaching centre operating in the building.

15 children dead

At least 15 students are confirmed dead in the incident. Meanwhile, deputy CM Pathak confirmed the death of 14 students."Our priority is providing the best possible medical treatment to the injured. Details on how and why it occurred will be ascertained only after the inquiry report. Authorities have completed the search operation at the site and confirmed that no children remain trapped. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible with no leniency. The government has reiterated its full support to the affected families and said all necessary assistance will be provided," he said.

Rescue ops on

Upon receiving information the fire department reached on scene to lead rescue operation with 14 fire tenders including a hydraulic platform. "Upon receiving information of a fire at a coaching institute in Sector D, B/2, Usha Mehta Marg, within the jurisdiction of AliGanj police station, 14 fire tenders including a hydraulic platform are engaged in firefighting operations," said Uttar Pradesh Fire & Emergency Services.

PM Modi condoles

Prime Ministered Narendra Modi condoled the deaths during the incident and anonunced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF. "Anguished by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased.

The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," said PMO on X.

Yogi Adityanath rushing to Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his visit to Aligarh and rushed back to Lucknow after being informed about the deadly fire.Addressing a programme in Aligarh, Adityanath said he had intended to stay in the city but decided to return immediately after learning about the incident. "My heartfelt desire was to stay in Aligarh today, but I have to say with sadness that I have just received information that a tragic fire incident has taken place in Lucknow.

Some children have been caught in it and have lost their lives. Therefore, I have to return immediately," Adityanath said.The chief minister expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.He said he had directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to reach the spot and submit a report."I myself am also leaving for there so that we can go into the details of the entire matter, punish those responsible and also express our condolences to the affected families," he said.