• Source:JND

At least 15 were killed while several others remained severely injured after a massive fire broke out at a private coaching centre in Sector D of Aliganj on Monday afternoon. According to the initial reports, around 7-8 people suffered severe burns, while 10-15 people remained trapped inside the building with rescue operations underway. 

"It is being said that 10-12 people are trapped inside. We have not been able to enter the building, as the fire is massive," ANI quoted a fire official.

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Large-Scale Rescue Operation Launched 

An extensive rescue and evacuation operation was initiated by fire brigade personnel, police teams, and district administration officials who rushed to the location immediately after receiving information about the fire incident. The rescue operation was later joined by NDRF, SDRF, and civil defence teams.

According to reports, the injured persons were admitted to the Trauma Centre in critical condition. Videos of the incident showed several students reportedly jumping from the building to save themselves, with some suffering serious injuries in the process.

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Building Housed Gaming Zone, Coaching Centre And Library 

The building reportedly housed a pet shop and gaming zone on the lower floors, while a coaching centre and library operated on the upper floor. Many students and visitors were believed to be present when the fire broke out around 3 pm.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna, District Magistrate Visakh G and other senior officials reached the site to supervise rescue and relief operations.

"A proper search operation is underway. Our priority is to take the injured to the hospital, ensure their best possible treatment and safely evacuate everyone," Pathak said.

He added that ambulances and medical teams had been deployed at the site, and arrangements were being made to provide immediate treatment to those rescued.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as students attempted to flee the building. Residents also joined rescue efforts and helped evacuate several people before emergency services arrived.

"There is a library or a computer course institution here. When we reached the spot, we saw thick smoke billowing from the building. We managed to save 5-6 people. After the fire broke out, a man jumped from the building in panic and was seriously injured. There are still some people trapped inside," ANI quoted an eyewitness, Aman.

CM Yogi Orders Probe, Cuts Short Aligarh Visit 

Taking immediate cognisance of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to reach the spot without delay, accelerate rescue and relief operations, and ensure proper treatment for the injured. He also instructed the administration to remain vigilant and provide all necessary assistance.

The Chief Minister later cut short his visit to Aligarh and is set to visit Lucknow soon to extend support towards the families of the deceased.

“I have just received information regarding an incident in Lucknow. Some children have been caught in a fire incident there, resulting in their tragic deaths. While the administration is engaged in relief operations, this tragic event requires me to return to Lucknow immediately. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their young ones. I have directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of Uttar Pradesh to visit the site personally and submit a report on the matter. We will get to the bottom of the incident, ensure the guilty are punished, and I offer my condolences to the affected families. I will schedule a separate visit to Aligarh," the CM said.

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PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia For Victims 

As news of the tragedy spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims and their families through the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (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,” the Prime Minister said.

He also announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and examine whether any safety lapses contributed to the tragedy. Rescue and cooling operations continued at the site as officials worked to ensure that no one remained trapped inside the building.


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