Lucknow coaching centre fire: Death toll rises to 18; PM Modi, UP CM announce ex-gratia for next of kin of deceased

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

Lucknow coaching centre fire: Death toll rises to 18; PM Modi, UP CM announce ex-gratia for next of kin of deceased

At least 18 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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

CM Adityanath cancelled all his scheduled programs and arrived at the spot to take stock of the situation.

He also announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50 thousand for seriously injured.

“I have directed the concerned officials to provide immediate financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives untimely in this accident, and ₹50 thousand each to those seriously injured,” the CM said.

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.

Advertisement