Lucknow Building Fire Kills Fifteen, Uttar Pradesh Authorities Order Inquiry
A fire in Lucknow, northern India, has claimed the lives of at least fifteen people. Uttar Pradesh authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident, which occurred on Monday.
The building, located in the densely populated Aliganj area, housed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation and 3D gaming centre on the upper two levels. Officials and relatives confirmed that victims included trainees and employees present at the time of the blaze.
Witnesses described scenes of desperation, with individuals attempting to escape by jumping from windows or climbing down cables. Rescue teams resorted to breaching a wall to reach those trapped. The inferno reportedly consumed the building's sole staircase, eliminating the only exit path.
Initial reports indicate the structure lacked adequate emergency exits, a critical factor contributing to the high casualty count as smoke rapidly spread. This tragedy has reignited concerns regarding fire safety protocols within India's often overcrowded commercial properties, following a series of similar incidents exposing lax adherence to regulations.
Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, stated, "An inquiry has been initiated. Authorities have been directed to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future." Police have filed charges related to endangering life and have arrested four individuals in connection with the fire. Additionally, four public officials have been suspended.
Accounts from relatives paint a grim picture; some victims reportedly contacted family members while trapped, with one trainee seeking refuge in a washroom as the smoke intensified. The presence of a biometric entry system on parts of the premises also reportedly hindered escape efforts.
