A three‑storey commercial building in Lucknow’s densely populated Aliganj area erupted into flames on Monday, killing 15 people and leaving the only staircase trapped by intense heat.
The ground floor housed a pet shop, while the second and third floors were occupied by an animation and 3D gaming centre. The blaze engulfed the sole exit, forcing residents and staff to seek escape routes from windows or down power cables.
Firefighters reached the roof by exploiting a neighboring building and breached a side wall, but the tragedy had already claimed lives. Witnesses described a chaotic scene of people crying for help, with some attempting to break windows with stones to create opening for escape.
Authorities have called for an inquiry, citing the absence of emergency exits and the restricted access resulting from a biometric entry system. Four officials have been suspended, and four individuals have been arrested under charges of causing danger to life.
The tragedy follows other recent incidents in India, including a fatal blaze at a Delhi bed‑and‑breakfast, underscoring concerns about lax fire safety enforcement in densely occupied commercial structures.
