15 Killed in Lucknow Fire; Inquiry Ordered
A blaze broke out in a multi‑storey commercial building in the densely populated Aliganj area of Lucknow on Monday afternoon, around 14:45 local time (09:15 GMT). The ground floor housed a pet shop, the first floor ran an animation centre, and the second floor contained a 3D gaming centre.
The fire quickly consumed the building’s only staircase, cutting off the sole exit. Witnesses reported people climbing down power cables, jumping from windows, and calling for help from inside. Firefighters reached a terrace via a neighbouring building, breached a side wall, and recovered bodies of afflicted occupants.
At least 15 people—trainee students, employees, and other visitors—were trapped and died. An inquiry has been ordered by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who urged authorities to take steps that will prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police have filed charges relating to acts that endangered life, arrested four people in connection with the fire, and suspended four public officials. Several victims reported that a biometric entry system limited their exit options.
This tragedy follows a recent blaze at a bed‑and‑breakfast in Delhi that also claimed lives, raising fresh concerns about fire safety compliance across India’s densely built commercial spaces.
