Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire Claims 12 Lives So Far

The incident raises questions on fire safety arrangements at coaching centres, which amakes students' lives vulnerable.

By Pranjal Gupta

Lucknow, June 22: At least 12 students were killed after a massive fire engulfed a coaching centre building in the Aliganj area near Purania in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, according to UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. Eyewitnesses said several students escaped by jumping from the building, while many others remained trapped inside as flames rapidly spread through the structure.

Videos circulating on social media showed police personnel, firefighters and rescue teams battling the blaze and attempting to save those trapped. A total of 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform, were deployed to the scene.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed that at least 12 students had lost their lives in the incident.

Despite extensive rescue efforts, the tragedy claimed the lives of a dozen students. The incident has once again raised serious questions about safety standards at coaching institutes, particularly those operating in crowded commercial buildings. Authorities are likely to investigate whether adequate fire safety measures and emergency evacuation arrangements were in place.

Several animals were also rescued from a pet shop affected by the fire in the commercial building as firefighting operations continued.

According to officials, the coaching centre was operating from the first floor of the building where the blaze broke out. Rescue teams drilled a large opening into the side of the building to extricate those trapped inside.

Following the incident, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Civil Defence joined the rescue operation.

The fire spread rapidly through the building, posing a threat not only to students and staff but also to residents and businesses in the surrounding area.

A devastating fire at a Lucknow coaching centre left 12 students dead and several others trapped

Fire and Emergency Services personnel, along with the Uttar Pradesh Police, rushed to the spot soon after the blaze was reported. Rescue operations continued for several hours as authorities searched for survivors and worked to bring the situation under control.

A local resident told news agency PTI, "The fire may have been triggered by a spark. Seven to eight students jumped from the building to save themselves. However, around 20 to 25 students were feared to be trapped inside."