'Nothing Was Visible Inside': Survivor Recounts Escape From Deadly Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire

A devastating fire that broke out in a commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday afternoon has claimed 15 lives, while several others remain injured. The blaze started on the ground floor and quickly spread through the three-storey structure, trapping students and young professionals inside a coaching centre, library and studio operating on the upper floors.

The incident occurred in the Purania/Sector D locality, triggering panic as thick smoke filled the building within minutes. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, while families gathered outside in search of their loved ones. Authorities fear the toll could rise as some victims remain in critical condition.

Fire Originated On Ground Floor, Spread Through Upper Levels

According to preliminary findings, the fire broke out around 3 pm at the Drools Aliganj Pet Shop or a nearby establishment on the ground floor. Officials suspect an electrical fault or short circuit may have triggered the blaze.

The smoke rapidly spread to the upper floors, where Learning Space, a coaching and library facility, and Head Hopper Studio, a 3D art production and gaming asset outsourcing company, were operating. With visibility reduced to almost zero and exits becoming inaccessible, several people found themselves trapped inside.

Many occupants reportedly locked themselves inside washrooms in an attempt to shield themselves from the smoke, while others searched for alternate escape routes.

Students Recount Terrifying Moments Inside Building

Eyewitness Aman told ANI, "There is a library or a computer course institute here. When we reached, heavy smoke was coming out. We rescued 5-6 people. After the fire spread, one person panicked and jumped from above. His spine was fractured and both legs suffered serious injuries."

One of the survivors described the chaos that unfolded inside the building. "I was inside. I picked up my bag and came out. When I went to switch off my PC, there was smoke everywhere. Nothing was visible. Somehow I managed to come out. Most of the others were still inside. We had called for help, but the fire brigade arrived about half an hour later."

Another local resident claimed that assistance did not arrive immediately after the alarm was raised. "We kept looking around for help, but by then the fire had completely intensified."

Desperate Escape Attempts As Families Wait Outside

Witnesses said several students hid inside bathrooms hoping to avoid inhaling the dense smoke. However, the suffocating conditions made it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Some students made the risky decision to jump from the building to save their lives. Several sustained serious injuries after landing on the ground below.

The scene outside the building was marked by panic and grief as anxious parents and relatives searched for information about those trapped inside. Among them was Prabhjot Singh from Alambagh, who rushed to the location after receiving a distress call from his son.

Rescue Operations Continue, Hospital Treating Injured

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak reached the site and monitored rescue operations. He said, "There is no one on the upper floor. Personnel entered by breaking a wall on the first floor. There is a huge amount of smoke. Every room is being checked. Our priority is to bring all the children out safely. The administration and medical teams are on alert."

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate cognisance of the tragedy and directed officials to accelerate rescue efforts, ensure proper treatment for the injured and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

King George's Medical University (KGMU) has been placed on alert following the incident. Hospital spokesperson Dr KK Singh said several injured victims had been admitted, while more patients were expected to arrive for treatment.

Medical officials believe suffocation caused by smoke inhalation was the primary cause of most deaths. Preliminary observations suggest that many victims showed limited external burn injuries, indicating that dense smoke and toxic fumes may have blocked their airways. Post-mortem examinations are expected to provide further details.