Fire in Lucknow Claims 15 Lives, Triggers Safety Inquiry
An inquiry has been ordered after at least 15 people died in a fire that broke out in a building in the northern Indian city of Lucknow on Monday.
The structure housed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation/3‑D gaming centre on the upper two floors. Witnesses reported desperate attempts to escape: people jumped from windows, clung to cables, and called for help from inside.
Investigators say the cause of the fire remains uncertain, but the building’s single staircase was blocked by smoke, trapping occupants. There were no designated emergency exits; a biometric entry system further hindered evacuation.
The tragedy has revived concerns over fire safety in densely occupied commercial premises across India, following a series of recent deadly blazes. Police have filed charges for endangering life and arrested four individuals, while four officials were suspended.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak announced an inquiry, vowing that such incidents will not recur. The incident occurred around 14:45 local time in Aliganj, a densely populated area of the capital. Rescue workers breached a side wall to reach the terrace and began retrieval operations.
Witness accounts describe scenes of panic, with residents throwing stones to break windows and neighbors rushing to help trapped occupants. The fire, which was still burning when the blaze was reported, coincided with unmet fire safety demands across the city.
