A devastating fire in a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area has left at least 15 people dead and several others injured, triggering outrage over alleged safety lapses and prompting swift action from the Uttar Pradesh government. Most of the victims were young students, trainees, and employees working at a gaming and animation studio operating from the upper floors of the building.
The fire broke out on Monday afternoon and spread rapidly through the three-storey structure, trapping dozens of people inside. According to preliminary reports, the blaze may have originated from a suspected short circuit in an air-conditioning unit located in a pet clinic and store on the lower floor. Thick smoke quickly engulfed the building, leaving many occupants with little time to escape.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people rushed toward windows and staircases in search of safety. Some victims reportedly jumped from upper floors to save themselves, while others became trapped inside rooms and bathrooms as the fire intensified. Rescue teams, including firefighters, police personnel, and emergency responders, worked for hours to bring the blaze under control and evacuate survivors.
Authorities confirmed that at least 15 people lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries and were admitted to hospitals for treatment. Many of the deceased were reportedly in their twenties and had been attending training sessions or working at the studio when the fire erupted.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cut short an official visit and rushed to Lucknow to assess the situation. He visited the fire site, met victims and their families, reviewed rescue operations, and later held a high-level meeting with senior officials. The Chief Minister announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured. He also vowed strict action against anyone found responsible for negligence.
The state government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident and identify accountability. Four people, including building owners, have been arrested, while four officials have been suspended over alleged lapses in regulation and oversight. A fresh demolition notice has also been issued for the building, which authorities say was operating in violation of approved norms.
The tragedy has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial establishments across India. Investigators are now examining whether unauthorized construction, inadequate emergency exits, and violations of safety regulations contributed to one of Lucknow’s deadliest fire disasters in recent years.
