NEW DELHI: Several young students have been killed after massive fire broke out at a coaching-cum-gaming zone in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, while several others are reported to have suffered injuries.Fourteen fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were pressed into service after a fire broke out around 3 pm in a building on Usha Mehta Marg in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. While Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the site, said the fire erupted at an animation centre,while fire department officials said that it originated in a coaching centre operating in the building.
14 children dead
At least 14 students are confirmed dead, according to deputy CM Brajesh Pathak. “Fourteen children have lost their lives in the incident, with four injured admitted to the KGMC Trauma Centre. Instructions have been issued for a high-level inquiry,” he said. “Our priority is providing the best possible medical treatment to the injured. Details on how and why it occurred will be ascertained only after the inquiry report. Authorities have completed the search operation at the site and confirmed that no children remain trapped. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible with no leniency. The government has reiterated its full support to the affected families and said all necessary assistance will be provided.“
Rescue ops on
Upon receiving information the fire department reached on scene to lead rescue operation with 14 fire tenders including a hydraulic platform. “Upon receiving information of a fire at a coaching institute in Sector D, B/2, Usha Mehta Marg, within the jurisdiction of AliGanj police station, 14 fire tenders including a hydraulic platform are engaged in firefighting operations,” said Uttar Pradesh Fire & Emergency Services.
PM Modi condoles
Prime Ministered Narendra Modi condoled the deaths during the incident and anonunced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF. “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,” said PMO on X.