A deadly fire in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday left at least 15 people dead, prompting authorities to launch an official inquiry into the incident. The blaze trapped trainees and employees inside a commercial building, leading to desperate escape attempts and a large-scale rescue operation.
Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, while preliminary findings indicate the building lacked emergency exits, raising fresh concerns over fire safety standards in commercial establishments across India.
Inquiry Ordered Following Fatal Fire
The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated an investigation into the tragedy that unfolded in Lucknow on Monday afternoon.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed that an official probe had begun.
“An inquiry has been initiated,” Brajesh Pathak, deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, whose capital is Lucknow, told reporters. “Authorities have been directed to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.”
The fire resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, including employees and trainees who were inside the building when the blaze erupted.
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Fire Broke Out in Aliganj Commercial Building
Authorities said the fire was reported at approximately 14:45 local time (09:15 GMT) in the densely populated Aliganj neighborhood of Lucknow.
The affected structure housed multiple businesses. Officials stated that a pet shop operated on the ground floor, while an animation and 3D gaming centre occupied the two upper floors.
Smoke and Flames Blocked Escape Route
According to officials, the building had only one staircase, which quickly became engulfed in flames and thick smoke. As a result, occupants were unable to access the only available exit.
Firefighters approached the terrace through a neighboring building before breaking through a side wall to reach those trapped inside and begin rescue operations.
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Witnesses Describe Desperate Attempts to Escape
People inside the building resorted to extreme measures as smoke rapidly spread through the premises.
Witnesses reported seeing individuals climb down electrical cables, leap from windows, and call for help while trapped inside. The incident also left dozens injured.
Residents Tried to Help Victims
Anurag Ojha, who witnessed the incident, described chaotic scenes as people struggled to escape.
“I was resting in my room and there was a foul smell outside. When I looked, there was a huge fire and people were crying for help,” he said, adding how people in the area started throwing stones to break the glasses of the building so that more people could escape.
Another eyewitness, identified only as Aman, told ANI news agency that local residents immediately responded after noticing smoke coming from the structure.
“We rescued five or six people,” he said, adding that one man jumped from the building and was seriously injured.
Victims Contacted Families During the Fire
Several people trapped inside managed to call relatives while awaiting rescue.
Prabhujyot Singh told BBC Hindi that his son phoned him during the emergency and said:
“Papa, there’s a fire. Save me, I’m trapped inside.”
Singh said that by the time he reached the location, it was already too late.
Trainee Took Shelter in Washroom
Among those trapped was 19-year-old Mohammad Shazan, a trainee at the animation centre.
According to his brother, Shazan contacted family members and informed them that he was trapped. He had moved into a washroom to avoid the smoke but was unable to escape.
Concerns Raised Over Building Safety Measures
Relatives of some victims alleged that a biometric entry system controlled access to sections of the premises. They claimed this may have complicated evacuation efforts after the fire started.
Authorities also noted that the building lacked emergency exits, a factor that contributed to people becoming trapped as smoke filled the structure.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Arrests and Suspensions Announced
Police have registered charges related to acts causing or endangering life and have arrested four individuals in connection with the incident.
Officials also confirmed that four public officials have been suspended following the tragedy.
Fire Safety Concerns Resurface
The Lucknow incident has once again drawn attention to fire safety compliance in India’s crowded commercial buildings.
The tragedy comes less than a month after a fire at a bed-and-breakfast in Delhi, India’s capital, claimed several lives.
Recent deadly blazes across the country have exposed repeated violations of fire safety regulations, intensifying concerns about enforcement and preparedness in commercial premises.
Conclusion
The fatal Lucknow fire has triggered an official investigation as authorities seek to determine the cause of the blaze and assess potential lapses in safety compliance. With 15 lives lost and multiple injuries reported, the incident has renewed scrutiny of fire safety standards in India’s commercial buildings and highlighted the risks posed by inadequate emergency evacuation measures.
