Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday cut short his Aligarh visit after a massive fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area killed at least 14 students and injured several others.
Adityanath was in Aligarh for a scheduled program when he was informed about the incident. The UP CM expressed condolences from the stage and quickly wrapped up his visit to return to Lucknow.
“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,” he said during his speech in Aligarh.
He reportedly cancelled all his scheduled programs and visited the site in Aliganj where the fire had broken out.
The Uttar Pradesh CM, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and other officials, inspected the site and took stock of the situation.
Fire erupted at coaching centre, quickly spread to entire building
The blaze erupted at a coaching centre operating in the building, quickly filling the premises with thick smoke and triggering panic among students and others present.
In a desperate attempt to escape, some individuals jumped from the upper floors and the terrace, sustaining serious injuries.
Eyewitnesses said smoke was first seen billowing out of the building in the afternoon, and within a short span, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed the structure.
With exit routes blocked by flames and smoke, panic-stricken students rushed to windows and the rooftop. Some jumped to the ground to save their lives.
Firefighters, police and administrative teams rushed to the spot. Senior officials, including the District Magistrate and Police Commissioner, were present and supervised rescue and relief operations.
With the help of local residents, evacuation was being carried out through the rooftop of a nearby building. Firefighters were also attempting to breach the walls of the coaching centre to access those trapped.
Officials said several injured persons have been admitted to different hospitals.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
(With inputs from agencies)