In brief
A massive fire broke out on Monday in a building that housed a pet shop and an animation centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, claiming at least 15 lives. Witnesses reported frantic attempts to escape as smoke filled the narrow staircase, the building’s sole exit. Firefighters had to breach a neighbouring wall to reach the terrace and conduct rescue operations. The incident has reignited concerns over fire safety in densely populated Indian commercial structures, leading to the suspension of four officials and the filing of criminal charges. An investigation will determine how the blaze started and seek accountability for regulatory lapses.
Mail India reports that a catastrophic fire erupted Monday in a building at Lucknow’s densely populated Aliganj area, killing at least 15 people.
The structure housed a pet shop on the ground floor and a two‑floor animation and 3D‑gaming centre above. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of people escaping by dropping down power cables or leaping from windows, while emergency responders had to break through a side wall to access the terrace and launch rescue efforts.
The tragedy was caused by a blaze that rapidly filled the building’s only staircase, cutting off the sole exit. An inquiry has now been ordered, with Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stating that authorities were directed to prevent such incidents in the future. Investigators will also examine possible violations of fire‑safety regulations.
The victims included trainees and employees who were inside the premises when the fire broke out. Police filed charges and arrested four individuals connected with the incident, while four public officials were suspended amid the inquiry.
The Lucknow blaze comes less than a month after a deadly fire at a bed‑and‑breakfast in Delhi that left several dead. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety infrastructure in India’s commercial buildings and has prompted renewed scrutiny of regulatory enforcement.
