A fire that broke out in a three‑storey commercial building in Lucknow’s densely populated Aliganj area on Monday resulted in 15 deaths and dozens of injuries.
The blaze struck a building that housed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation and 3D gaming centre on the floors above.
Witnesses reported panic as people tried to escape through windows or down power cables, but a single staircase – now covered in flame and smoke – made egress impossible.
Firefighters had to reach the roof via a neighbouring building and break through a side wall to begin rescue efforts.
Officials say the building lacked emergency exits and the lack of exits caused people to become trapped.
An inquiry has now been ordered by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, and four people have been arrested while four public officials have been suspended.
The incident follows similar deadly blazes in India that have revealed violations of fire‑safety rules.
Police have filed charges over acts endangering life, and the investigation will look at how biometric entry systems may have impeded evacuation.
