Lucknow: At least 14 people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a coaching centre in the Purnia area of Aliganj in Lucknow on Monday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation in the Uttar Pradesh capital.
Eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot after the blaze engulfed the building. Rescue teams have so far evacuated several people from the premises, while authorities fear that more individuals may have been trapped inside during the incident.
Fire triggers panic in coaching centre
The fire broke out at a student library and coaching centre in Aliganj, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and causing panic among students and local residents.
According to police sources, several students jumped from the building in an attempt to escape the flames and smoke. A number of those who jumped sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitnesses said locals rushed to the spot and managed to rescue several students before emergency services arrived.
“There was heavy smoke coming from the building. We managed to save five to six people. One person jumped from the building and was seriously injured. There were still people trapped inside,” an eyewitness told news agency ANI.
Rescue operations continue
Firefighters and rescue personnel launched an extensive search and evacuation operation soon after reaching the spot.
Authorities said 12 people had been rescued during the initial phase of the operation, while several others were feared trapped inside the building.
Rescue teams entered the structure through adjoining buildings and even created an opening in one of the walls to facilitate access and move stretchers inside.
As the operation continued, two bodies were brought out on stretchers covered with cloth, indicating the seriousness of the tragedy.
Officials continued room-by-room searches amid concerns that additional people could still be trapped in different sections of the building.
In a remarkable moment during the operation, firefighters also rescued a cat from the burning structure.
Injured shifted to hospitals
King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Trauma Centre Chief Medical Superintendent Professor Premraj Singh said that several injured persons had been brought to the hospital and more were expected.
Officials said at least six injured persons had been admitted to the trauma centre for treatment.
The Uttar Pradesh government has placed hospitals and emergency medical services on high alert to deal with the situation.
Cause of fire yet to be established
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
A local resident suggested that the blaze may have been caused by an electrical spark, but officials have not yet confirmed the reason behind the incident.
Authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation after the rescue and firefighting operations are completed.
Deputy CM monitors rescue efforts
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described the incident as “extremely distressing” and said all necessary assistance was being extended to the victims.
He said a team of specialist doctors and six ambulances had been deployed at the site and that officials had been directed to ensure proper medical care for the injured.
“Some students are still trapped inside the building and firefighting officials are trying to locate them. Our priority is to rescue everyone safely,” Pathak said.
He also stated that some students who had managed to escape informed authorities that a few people could still be inside the washrooms, prompting rescue teams to conduct thorough searches of every room and facility in the building.
Probe likely after rescue operation
As firefighters gradually brought the blaze under control, rescue operations continued amid fears that more victims could be found inside the premises.
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in educational institutions and coaching centres across the country.
Authorities are expected to order a comprehensive inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the fire and identify any possible lapses in safety arrangements.