A devastating fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area has claimed the lives of at least 15 students, one of the worst educational tragedies in recent memory. Several others were injured as panic-stricken students attempted to escape the flames and smoke by jumping from the upper floors of the building. Rescue and relief operations continue at site as authorities search for survivors and continue to investigate the cause of the blaze.
According to eyewitness accounts, thick smoke quickly engulfed the multi-storey building, leaving students trapped inside classrooms and corridors. As visibility dropped and exits became difficult to access, many students reportedly climbed to windows and balconies in a desperate attempt to save their lives. Videos circulating on social media showed students hanging from ledges and jumping onto nearby structures as local residents rushed to assist before emergency responders arrived. Reports indicate that some students locked themselves inside washrooms to escape the smoke, while others tried to reach the rooftop.
Firefighters, police personnel and disaster response teams were deployed to the scene within minutes. Multiple fire tenders battled the blaze while rescue workers evacuated survivors from different sections of the building. Hospitals across the city were placed on alert to receive the injured. Officials confirmed that several victims suffered severe burns, while others sustained fractures and other injuries after jumping from the building.
A detailed investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify any lapses in safety compliance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while state authorities assured that those responsible for any negligence would be held accountable.
PM Modi wrote on X, “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.”
