Lucknow Fire Tragedy: CM Yogi Adityanath Cancels Programmes, Heads Back As Death Toll Reaches 15

A major fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday left several students dead and many others injured, triggering panic as some students reportedly jumped from the building to escape the flames and thick smoke. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident, while the Prime Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

The fire broke out in a commercial building housing an educational institute in Purnia, on Usha Mehta Marg, under the Aliganj police station area. Initial reports said the blaze started around 3 pm. Fire and rescue teams rushed to the spot and deployed 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, to control the flames and evacuate those trapped inside.

Students jumped from building to escape smoke

Eyewitnesses said smoke spread quickly through the building, leaving students with little time to find a safe exit. Several students reportedly jumped from the first floor in panic. Videos from the area showed people gathered outside the building, shouting instructions to those trapped inside as rescue teams tried to reach them.

A local resident told PTI that the fire may have been triggered by a spark. The resident claimed that seven to eight students jumped from the building to save themselves, while fears remained that more people could be trapped inside. Officials had not immediately confirmed the exact number of those inside the premises when the fire started.

Death toll reported at 15, official details awaited

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the site and reviewed rescue operations. He said the government was with the parents and that firefighting teams had breached a wall with the help of excavators to enter the premises and continue rescue work. Reports from the site said the death toll had risen to 15, though authorities were yet to release full details of the victims.

Eyewitness Aman told ANI that the building appeared to house a library or a computer course institute. He said people nearby saw smoke coming from the structure and helped rescue five to six people. He also said one person who jumped from the building was seriously injured, while some others were still feared trapped.

CM Yogi cancels programmes, returns to Lucknow

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was in Aligarh for the inauguration and foundation-laying of various projects when he received information about the incident. He expressed sorrow during the programme itself, cancelled his upcoming engagements and left for Lucknow to monitor the situation.

Officials said rescue and relief work remained the immediate priority. Firefighters continued to search the building and check whether anyone was still trapped inside. The injured were being taken for treatment, while police and administration officials worked to manage the crowd and assist families waiting near the site.

PM announces compensation for victims’ families

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who died. Assistance for the injured was also expected as per official relief norms.

The cause of the fire had not been officially established by Monday evening. Authorities are expected to examine whether fire safety norms were followed at the building and whether emergency exits were available. A detailed investigation is likely after rescue operations are completed and the premises are declared safe for inspection.