Lucknow: A massive fire broke out on Monday afternoon at a private coaching center located in Sector-D, Aliganj. The fire quickly intensified and turned into a raging inferno. Locals immediately alerted the fire department; several fire tenders arrived at the scene, and firefighting operations were launched. Eighteen students lost their lives in the tragedy, while many others suffered burns.
### Lucknow fire tragedy revives memories of Surat and Rajkot incidents
This tragic incident has brought back memories of the fires in Surat and Rajkot, which claimed the lives of 47 people.
According to eyewitnesses, several students jumped from a height to save their lives, resulting in serious injuries for some. The building where the fire broke out housed a pet shop and a gaming zone on the first two floors, while the coaching center and a library were operating on the third floor.
Reports indicate that a large number of students and other individuals were inside the building when the fire started around 3 PM. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, DGP Rajeev Krishna, the District Magistrate, and other police and administrative officials have reached the site to oversee relief and rescue operations. Efforts are also underway to break down the rear wall of the building to safely evacuate the students.
### CM Yogi orders intensification of relief and rescue operations
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to immediately reach the site, accelerate relief and rescue operations, and ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care. He has also instructed the administration to maintain vigilance at all levels.
### Students jumped as soon as the fire broke out
People present at the scene stated that a large number of students were inside at the time of the incident. After the fire started, many students began jumping from the building to save their lives. Several photos and videos related to the incident are also going viral on social media. Several senior officials, including District Magistrate Vishakh and Additional District Magistrate (North) Twinkle Jain, have reached the scene. Around a dozen fire tenders and a hydraulic platform are engaged in relief and rescue operations. There are apprehensions that the death toll may rise.
### Chief Minister Yogi returns to Lucknow from Aligarh
Upon receiving news of the fire in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath immediately returned to the city from Aligarh. He stated, "I wanted to stay in Aligarh, but I have just received information about a fire in Lucknow. Children have been affected, so it is essential for me to return. I am concerned about the children and their families."
The Chief Minister informed that he has ordered the Principal Secretary (Home) to investigate the matter. He stated that a detailed inquiry into the incident would be conducted. Consequently, he postponed his development review meeting and held a review meeting only for the Public Works Department.
### Prime Minister expresses grief, announces financial assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over this tragic incident. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, an ex-gratia amount of ?2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased person from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Meanwhile, financial assistance of ?50,000 will be given to the injured.