14 students killed in massive fire at Lucknow coaching centre, several feared trapped; rescue operations underway

At least 14 students were killed and several others were feared trapped after a major fire erupted in a coaching centre in Purania area of Aliganj in Lucknow, UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said on Monday.

The deceased are said to be coaching students in the age group of 20 to 24 years.

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Firefighters and emergency response teams, including police, and ambulances were at the spot as rescue operations were underway.

According to preliminary reports, the blaze erupted in a coaching centre operating inside the multi-storey building and rapidly spread to the entire premises.

A pet shop was also gutted in the blaze. Some cats were also rescued by the firefighters.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Aligarh, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families.

“The loss of lives in the fire accident in Lucknow is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed souls attain peace and the injured recover swiftly,” CM Yogi said.

According to UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak,  the injured have being admitted to hospitals for treatment.

“Necessary instructions have been issued to the officials for the proper treatment of the injured and for every possible assistance. A team of specialist doctors, along with six ambulances, is present at the incident site. I am personally heading to the incident site. I pray to God that all the injured recover their health soon,” Pathak said.

He also said that CM Adityanath has cancelled all his scheduled programs and will arrive at the spot soon.

“The Chief Minister is cancelling all his scheduled programs in Aligarh and arriving at the location. Our priority is providing the best possible medical treatment to the injured,” he added.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

PM Modi expresses condolences, announces ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the loss of lives in yhe fire tragedy and announced ex-gratie of Rs 2 lakh for the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

“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. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PM Modi said, according to his office.