Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire Tragedy: 15 Dead as Massive Blaze Engulfs Building, PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia
A devastating fire at a commercial building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Monday, triggering a massive rescue operation and scenes of panic as students leapt from the building to escape the rapidly spreading flames.
The blaze erupted around 3 pm in the Purnia area, quickly filling the multi-storey structure with thick smoke and trapping several students inside. Eyewitnesses reported that many students jumped from the first floor in a desperate bid to save themselves while firefighters battled the intense fire.
More than a dozen fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were pressed into service as emergency teams worked for hours to contain the blaze and search the smoke-filled building.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims' families. In a statement, he said, "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."
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased victim, while ₹50,000 will be provided to those injured in the incident.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was attending an event in Aligarh, immediately cancelled his scheduled programmes after receiving information about the fire and left for Lucknow to monitor the situation.
Addressing the gathering before his departure, the Chief Minister said, "It was my heartfelt wish to remain in Aligarh today, but I regret to inform you that I have just received information about a tragic fire incident in Lucknow. Some children have been caught in the blaze and have lost their lives. Therefore, I have to return immediately. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones."
He also directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to reach the site and submit a detailed report on the incident.
"I have instructed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to reach the spot and present a report. I am also leaving for Lucknow myself so that we can get to the root of this entire matter, ensure that those responsible are punished, and personally convey my condolences to the affected families," Yogi Adityanath added.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who reached the site to oversee rescue operations, said emergency personnel were conducting an extensive search inside the building despite heavy smoke.
"There is a large amount of smoke inside. Every room is being thoroughly searched," he said, adding that firefighters had broken through a wall on the first floor to improve access to trapped occupants.
Highlighting the administration's immediate priorities, Pathak stated, "Our priority is to bring all the children out safely. The administration and medical teams have been placed on high alert. Ambulances are stationed at the site, and doctors have also been called in. Arrangements have been made to provide immediate medical treatment on the spot to any child who may require first aid."
Authorities confirmed that hospitals across the city had been alerted, with ambulances and medical teams deployed near the site to provide emergency treatment. Officials said search operations continued even after the flames were brought under control to ensure that no one remained trapped inside the building, which reportedly housed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation and coaching centre on the upper floors.
