NEW DELHI: Several 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.
15 dead
At least 15 students are confirmed dead in the incident. Dr. Anil Agrawal, medical superintendent, Trauma Centre, KGMU, Lucknow said, “21-22 children have been brought here, five of them have injuries, they have been admitted, two of them who jumped, have injuries in back, CT scan has been done, they are being treated, 15 were brought dead, who will be sent to mortuary for autopsy, five have been sent, process to send other 10 is being done.“Meanwhile, deputy CM Pathak had earlier 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.
Fire department
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.
Several pets killed too
A pet shop and animal clinic was located on the ground floor of the same building. Several cats were rescued from the site. However, more than six pets including dog and cat were charred to death.