Lucknow
oi-Ashish Rana
At least three people lost their lives after a massive fire broke out at a commercial building housing an educational institute in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday afternoon. The blaze triggered panic among students and residents, with several people forced to jump from the building to escape the flames and thick smoke.
A fire broke out at a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday afternoon, prompting a large rescue operation involving 14 fire engines as students were seen escaping by jumping from the building.
Fire Breaks Out At Educational Institute In Aliganj
The fire was reported around 3 pm from a coaching centre located on Usha Mehta Marg under the Aliganj police station area. Following the alert, the fire department rushed 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, to the spot to control the blaze and launch rescue operations.
Firefighters continued efforts to contain the flames as emergency teams searched the building for people who may have remained trapped inside.
Students Jump From First Floor To Save Themselves
As smoke rapidly spread through the building, several students were seen jumping from the first floor in a desperate attempt to escape. Videos from the scene showed anxious onlookers urging those trapped inside to jump to safety while rescue personnel worked to evacuate the premises.
A local resident claimed that multiple students managed to escape in this manner, although concerns remained over the possibility of others being trapped.
“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 are still feared to be trapped inside,” a local resident told PTI.
Eyewitness Describes Rescue Efforts
Visuals from the area showed thick black smoke billowing from the building as firefighters battled the blaze. The incident caused panic in the neighbourhood, drawing large crowds to the scene.
“There is a library or a computer course institution here. When we reached here, we saw smoke coming from the building. We saved 5-6 people. After the fire broke out, a man jumped from the building, and he was seriously injured. There are still some people trapped inside…,” an eyewitness, Aman, told ANI.
Rescue workers continued searching different sections of the building amid fears that more people could be inside.
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak Visits Spot
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the site to review the rescue and relief operations. Speaking to media, he said authorities were focused on saving lives and assisting affected families.
“…Rescue operations on. We are with the parents. I can not confirm how many students are inside.”
He further said, “The fire brigade team has breached the wall with the help of excavators and entered the premises to carry out rescue and firefighting operations.”
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Officials said firefighting and rescue efforts were still underway, and more details are expected as the operation progresses.
