Inquiry launched after deadly fire kills 15 in Lucknow building

A blaze broke out Monday at around 14:45 local time inside a three‑storey commercial complex in Lucknow’s Aliganj neighbourhood, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more.

The building housed a pet shop on the ground floor, with animation and 3D gaming spaces on the upper levels. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the single staircase that served as the only exit and forcing the trapped occupants to seek desperate means of escape.

Witnesses described frantic scenes: people climbing down power cables, others leaping from windows, and residents in the surrounding area attempting to break windows to allow escape routes. Firefighters reached the building by breaching a side wall, then worked from a neighbouring structure to access the upper floors.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak announced that an inquiry has been initiated, directing authorities to prevent future incidents. Police charged individuals for acts endangering life and arrested four related parties; all four public officials involved were suspended.

The tragedy follows a recent Delhi blaze at a bed‑and‑breakfast, underscoring growing concerns over fire safety violations in India’s crowded commercial districts.