15 Killed in Lucknow Building Fire, Inquiry Ordered

An inquiry has been ordered after at least 15 people died in a fire that broke out Monday in the northern Indian city of Lucknow.

The fire destroyed a three‑floor building that housed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation and 3‑D gaming centre on the two upper stories. Witnesses saw people jumping from windows and climbing down cables to escape the smoke, while rescue teams broke through a wall to reach injured survivors.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Authorities have warned that the building had no emergency exits – the sole staircase was blocked by thick smoke, trapping residents inside.

"An inquiry has been initiated," Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, promising reforms to prevent future incidents.

The blaze started at around 14:45 local time (09:15 GMT) in Lucknow’s densely populated Aliganj area. Firefighters reached the terrace via a neighbouring building and breached a side wall to begin rescue efforts.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as occupants called for help and tried to escape. In one account, a trainer named Anurag Ojha saw people pulling at windows and stone‑breaking residents pushing glass out of the building.

Another witness, Aman, said locals rushed in after seeing smoke, rescuing five or six people but one man was seriously injured after a jump.

Victims were trainees and employees trapped inside the building. One 19‑year‑old trainee, Mohammad Shazan, had taken refuge in a washroom but could not escape.

Relatives noted a biometric entry system that limited movement, making escape difficult during the fire.

Police have filed charges for acts endangering life and arrested four people in connection with the fire, suspending four public officials.

The Lucknow tragedy follows a recent deadly blaze at a Delhi bed‑and‑breakfast, underscoring a mounting concern over fire safety violations in India’s packed commercial buildings.