A massive fire broke out at a three-story commercial complex housing a coaching center, library, and gaming zone on Usha Mehta Marg in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday afternoon. The building was quickly engulfed in thick smoke and flames, trapping several people inside. In a desperate bid to save their lives, seven to eight panic-stricken students reportedly jumped from the first floor of the building, resulting in severe injuries, while a few others managed to save themselves by seeking refuge inside a washroom until help arrived.
Upon receiving the alert around 3:00 PM, a major rescue operation was launched, with the fire department deploying 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, alongside SDRF and local police teams to contain the blaze. While initial reports from local sources feared that four individuals may have been charred to death, official confirmations on casualties are still pending as search operations continue. Around 15 to 20 injured individuals are expected at the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Trauma Centre, where a team of specialist doctors and six ambulances have been stationed.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak expressed deep grief over the incident, with Pathak personally visiting the site to oversee the relief work. The Chief Minister has directed district officials to ensure immediate, top-tier medical care for all those injured and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, which is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical spark. Authorities will also investigate whether the commercial complex was operating in violation of standard fire safety protocols.
