Video: Man jumps from 1st floor, others slide down rope to escape Lucknow fire
A massive fire tore through a gaming zone and software office on the third floor of a commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area, killing at least 15 people and injuring several others. Rescue teams continued searches as firefighters worked for hours, while the cause remained unclear and investigators began a probe.

At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out at a gaming zone and software office operating on the third floor of a commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday afternoon. Rescue teams continued search operations amid fears that the death toll could rise further.
Dramatic visuals from the scene showed emergency personnel evacuating people trapped inside the building using ropes and wires. Firefighters and rescue teams worked for hours to bring the blaze under control and safely evacuate those stranded inside. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation has been launched.
A resident was quoted by PTI as saying, "The fire may have been triggered by a spark. Seven to eight students jumped from the building to save themselves. However, around 20 to 25 students were feared to be trapped inside."
STUDENTS LOCKED THEMSELVES INSIDE BATHROOMS
The building where the fire broke out is located in Sector D of Lucknow's Aliganj area. According to preliminary information, the basement, ground floor and first floor housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic. The second floor accommodated a coaching institute named Learning Space as well as Head Hopper Studio, a company engaged in 3D art production and game asset outsourcing.
As flames and smoke rapidly spread through the building, several students reportedly locked themselves inside bathrooms in an attempt to escape the fire. One student jumped from the first floor to save his life but landed on a metal grill below, sustaining serious injuries.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. However, officials suspect that a short circuit in an air-conditioning unit installed in the basement may have triggered the blaze. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident.
Fire department officials said the first firefighting units reached the spot within two minutes of receiving information about the blaze. Two fire tenders arrived within approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds, while three more vehicles reached the site within five minutes.
However, firefighters faced considerable difficulty entering the building due to the intensity of the fire and smoke. It was only after a hydraulic fire brigade vehicle arrived that rescue personnel were able to break through a wall and gain access to the affected areas.
Officials also pointed to existing fire safety regulations, under which buildings less than 15 metres in height and spread across an area of less than 500 square metres are not required to obtain a fire department No Objection Certificate (NOC). According to preliminary information, the commercial complex fell within these parameters.
THE RESCUE OPERATION IS UNDERWAY
The rescue operation continued for several hours, with firefighters, police personnel, NDRF, SDRF and Civil Defence teams carrying out an intensive floor-by-floor search of the building. In some areas, rescue teams reportedly drilled through walls to reach those trapped inside.
Hospitals were put on alert, while ambulances and medical teams were deployed to handle the emergency. Rescue personnel battled dense smoke as they worked to evacuate occupants and search for survivors.
A total of 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were pressed into service after the blaze was reported from the building.
CM YOGI ADITYANATH ASKS OFFICIALS FOR A PROPER PROBE
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took stock of the fire incident at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area and directed senior officials to immediately reach the spot and supervise relief efforts.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Adityanath instructed authorities to expedite rescue operations and ensure the safe evacuation of those trapped inside the building. He also directed officials to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
The Chief Minister asked the administration to remain on high alert and closely monitor the ongoing rescue and relief operations. He further emphasised the need for continuous supervision of the situation and timely medical assistance for all affected individuals, the CMO said.
At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out at a gaming zone and software office operating on the third floor of a commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday afternoon. Rescue teams continued search operations amid fears that the death toll could rise further.
Dramatic visuals from the scene showed emergency personnel evacuating people trapped inside the building using ropes and wires. Firefighters and rescue teams worked for hours to bring the blaze under control and safely evacuate those stranded inside. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation has been launched.
A resident was quoted by PTI as saying, "The fire may have been triggered by a spark. Seven to eight students jumped from the building to save themselves. However, around 20 to 25 students were feared to be trapped inside."
STUDENTS LOCKED THEMSELVES INSIDE BATHROOMS
The building where the fire broke out is located in Sector D of Lucknow's Aliganj area. According to preliminary information, the basement, ground floor and first floor housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic. The second floor accommodated a coaching institute named Learning Space as well as Head Hopper Studio, a company engaged in 3D art production and game asset outsourcing.
As flames and smoke rapidly spread through the building, several students reportedly locked themselves inside bathrooms in an attempt to escape the fire. One student jumped from the first floor to save his life but landed on a metal grill below, sustaining serious injuries.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. However, officials suspect that a short circuit in an air-conditioning unit installed in the basement may have triggered the blaze. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident.
Fire department officials said the first firefighting units reached the spot within two minutes of receiving information about the blaze. Two fire tenders arrived within approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds, while three more vehicles reached the site within five minutes.
However, firefighters faced considerable difficulty entering the building due to the intensity of the fire and smoke. It was only after a hydraulic fire brigade vehicle arrived that rescue personnel were able to break through a wall and gain access to the affected areas.
Officials also pointed to existing fire safety regulations, under which buildings less than 15 metres in height and spread across an area of less than 500 square metres are not required to obtain a fire department No Objection Certificate (NOC). According to preliminary information, the commercial complex fell within these parameters.
THE RESCUE OPERATION IS UNDERWAY
The rescue operation continued for several hours, with firefighters, police personnel, NDRF, SDRF and Civil Defence teams carrying out an intensive floor-by-floor search of the building. In some areas, rescue teams reportedly drilled through walls to reach those trapped inside.
Hospitals were put on alert, while ambulances and medical teams were deployed to handle the emergency. Rescue personnel battled dense smoke as they worked to evacuate occupants and search for survivors.
A total of 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were pressed into service after the blaze was reported from the building.
CM YOGI ADITYANATH ASKS OFFICIALS FOR A PROPER PROBE
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took stock of the fire incident at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area and directed senior officials to immediately reach the spot and supervise relief efforts.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Adityanath instructed authorities to expedite rescue operations and ensure the safe evacuation of those trapped inside the building. He also directed officials to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
The Chief Minister asked the administration to remain on high alert and closely monitor the ongoing rescue and relief operations. He further emphasised the need for continuous supervision of the situation and timely medical assistance for all affected individuals, the CMO said.