Massive fire breaks out in slums of Lucknow’s Vikas Nagar, over 100 hutments gutted

A massive fire broke out in the slums of Lucknow’s Vikas Nagar area on Wednesday, leaving over 100 of hutments made of grass and straw were gutted. The blaze spread rapidly across the area, which houses more than 500 slum dwellings.

A thick plume of black smoke was seen billowing into the sky and was visible from several kilometers away as fire tenders rushed to the site.

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Casualities are also feared but there was no official confirmation. The exact cause of the fire was also yet to be ascertained as firefighting operations were underway.

Preliminary reports suggested that the fire triggered a series of cylinder blasts, which intensified the blaze. Some eyewitnesses claimed they heard around 20-30 explosions, triggering panic in the area.

According to news agency ANI, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and directed officials to reach the spot and expedite the relief and rescue operations.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak arrived at the spot to take stock of the situation. Pathak directed officials to carry out rescue operations swiftly.

“In the Vikas Nagar area of Lucknow, the fire has taken a severe form. Fire brigade personnel and district administration officials are present at the spot. We have called ambulances to the site, and hospitals have been put on alert…,” Pathak said.

UP DG, Fire Services, Sujeet Pandey claimed that there were no casualties “so far” and the cause of fire is being ascertained.

He said fire services acted swiftly and around 20 fire tenders were rushed to spot for firefighting operations.