At least 15 people were killed while many were still trapped inside a three-storey building that caught fire on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj area of Lucknow on Monday.
After the fire was brought under control, stretchers were transported to the building through a neighboring building. Rescue personnel also breached a wall to facilitate the movement of stretchers to the damaged buildings.
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22 were brought to KGMC, out of which 15 were declared dead
A total of 22 people were transported to King George’s Medical University (KGMU) following the fire incident. 15 of them were declared dead, while seven others were injured and are in stable condition.
At the accident site, the fire has been brought under control, although rescue operations are still underway.
After the fire was brought under control, stretchers were moved inside through a nearby building.
Rescue personnel made a hole in the wall to facilitate the movement of stretchers inside the damaged building.
Read also | Major fire at Lucknow coaching centre, many feared trapped as students jump to escape; Firefighters rescue a cat
Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
Modi said in a post on X: “I am distressed by the loss of life in a fire accident in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as soon as possible.”
He added, “Rescue operations are underway and the authorities are providing all possible assistance.”
The Prime Minister also announced compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), saying: “It is an ex-gratia from… $2 lakh PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The wounded will be given $50,000.”
UP CM Yogi Adityanath interrupts his visit to Aligarh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the cancellation of the remainder of his scheduled visits to Aligarh and Hathras following the fire that broke out in a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area.
The Chief Minister directed Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad and Director General Rajeev Krishna to immediately reach the site, supervise the relief and rescue operations and submit a preliminary report.
Adityanath also said that on his return to Lucknow, he will personally visit the accident site and meet the families of the deceased to offer his condolences.
UP Deputy CM on Lucknow fire
UP Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak said he believed some students were trapped inside the building and rescue teams were conducting a search in every room.
Pathak told reporters, “Three to four children who managed to get out informed us that some students were still inside the toilets. We are searching each room individually, and fire brigade personnel are checking each toilet. So far, there have been no reports of any casualties. Hospitals and ambulances have been put on alert. Some of the children who jumped from the building have been taken to the hospital for treatment. We will ensure that everyone is evacuated safely.”
