In brief
A building fire in Lucknow claimed 15 casualties on Monday, with the structure housing a pet shop and an animation centre. The blaze cut off the sole staircase, trapping occupants and forcing them to escape through windows or damaged panels. Authorities have ordered an inquiry amid concerns over widespread fire‑safety violations in densely built commercial blocks. Four officials have been suspended and four individuals arrested.
Inquiry Ordered After Building Fire Kills 15 in Lucknow
At least 15 people lost their lives in a blaze that erupted on Monday inside a three‑storey building in the densely populated Aliganj area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The structure housed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation/3‑D gaming centre on the upper two floors. The fire destroyed the sole staircase, trapping workers, trainees and visitors inside.
Witnesses reported people climbing down cables, jumping from windows and throwing stones to smash panes to escape dense smoke. Firefighters breached a side wall and forced the terrace via a neighbouring building to rescue survivors.
Police say the tragedy is a reminder of widespread fire‑safety violations in India’s crowded commercial structures. Authorities have arrested four individuals linked to the incident and suspended four public officials.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak vowed that the investigation would seek to stop such catastrophes in the future.
