Lucknow: A major fire broke out at a coaching centre in the Purnia area of Aliganj in Lucknow on Monday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation in the Uttar Pradesh capital. Eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and operations to evacuate those trapped inside the building were underway. No casualties had been reported at the time of filing, though several students were feared trapped. Firefighters also rescued a cat from the building.
According to police sources, a few students jumped from the building in an attempt to escape the flames. King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Trauma Centre CMS Professor Premraj Singh said two injured persons had been brought to the casualty ward, with around 15 more expected to arrive.
What caused the fire?
A local resident told PTI that the fire may have been caused by a spark, though this has not been officially confirmed. “Seven to eight students jumped from the building to save themselves. However, around 20 to 25 students are still feared trapped inside,” the resident said.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the government had received “extremely distressing” news of the fire at the coaching centre in Purania, Sector D, Lucknow. He said the injured were being admitted to hospitals and that officials had been directed to ensure proper medical care and all necessary assistance. A team of specialist doctors and six ambulances had been deployed at the site, Pathak said, adding that he was on his way to the location. “I pray to God that all the injured recover their health soon,” he wrote on X.
Pathak said three to four students who had escaped told authorities that some students could still be inside the washrooms. “We are conducting a room-by-room search, and fire brigade personnel are checking every washroom. So far, there have been no reports of any casualties,” he told PTI. He added that hospitals and ambulances had been put on alert, and that students injured after jumping from the building were receiving treatment. “We will ensure that everyone is evacuated safely,” he said.
As firefighters brought the blaze under control, rescue teams carried stretchers into the building through an adjoining structure. A hole was made in a wall to allow stretchers to be moved inside more easily. Search operations continued amid concerns that four to five people could still be trapped on the premises a number that had been revised down as the room-by-room search progressed.
There was no official confirmation of any deaths at the time of filing this report.
An eyewitness told ANI that smoke was seen billowing from the building, which houses a library or computer course institute, when locals rushed to the spot. “We saved five to six people. After the fire broke out, a man jumped from the building and was seriously injured. There are still some people trapped inside,” the eyewitness said.
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Pathak told PTI: “Some students still trapped inside building; firefighting officials trying to find them. Priority is to rescue trapped students inside building.”
This is a developing story…