15 Students Killed in Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire

Lucknow: A massive fire engulfed a three-storey building housing a coaching centre in the Purania area of Aliganj on Monday, killing at least 15 young students. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed the death toll, noting that the victims were between 20 and 24 years old.

The tragedy prompted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to cut short his official visit to Aligarh and rush back to the state capital to oversee the emergency response.

Key Highlights

• The Disaster: A fast-moving fire trapped dozens of students inside a multi-storey coaching institute in Aliganj, Lucknow.
• Casualties: First responders recovered 15 bodies; officials fear the death toll could rise further as rescue operations continue.
• The Chaos: Desperate students jumped from upper floors and windows to escape thick, suffocating smoke.
• State Response: The Chief Minister ordered a top-tier medical response and rushed specialist doctors and ambulances to the spot.

Smoke and Flames Trap Students, Prompting Desperate Escapes

The fire erupted during afternoon classes, trapping students inside the building. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick, black smoke billow from the structure before flames engulfed all three floors within minutes.

With the primary exit routes blocked by fire, panic broke out. Trapped students rushed toward windows and the rooftop. In a desperate bid for survival, several individuals jumped from the upper floors and the terrace, sustaining severe injuries.

Emergency Teams Launch Massive Rescue Operation

Multiple fire brigades, police units, and district administration teams rushed to the site immediately. The District Magistrate and the Lucknow Police Commissioner actively supervised the rescue efforts on-site.

Firefighters used ladders to reach the rooftop while local residents helped evacuate survivors through the terraces of adjoining buildings. To gain access to the heavily smoke-logged interiors, rescue teams used specialized equipment to smash through the concrete walls of the coaching institute.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak monitored the ground response and shared an update on X: “The injured are being admitted to hospitals for treatment. We have deployed a team of specialist doctors along with six ambulances directly to the incident site. I am personally heading to the spot to ensure every possible assistance.”

CM Yogi Demands Swift Action, Investigates Cause

The Lucknow administration has admitted the injured to various regional hospitals, where doctors are treating them for severe burns, smoke inhalation, and fractures. Authorities have not yet determined the official cause of the fire, though a suspected short circuit is under investigation.

Expressing his deep grief, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated: “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.”