Death toll in Lucknow coaching centre fire rises to 14

UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak inspects the site after a fire broke out at a commercial building in Aliganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. PIC/PTI

The death toll in the fire that broke out at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday rose to 14. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi have announced financial assistance for the victims' families and the injured.

CM Yogi Adityanath visited a hospital to meet those injured in the incident and expressed grief over the loss of lives.

"The loss of lives in the fire accident in Lucknow is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed souls attain peace and the injured recover swiftly," CM Yogi Adityanath said in a post on social media.

In a statement on X, the CM's Office said that he had directed officials to provide an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 to those injured. He also instructed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.

At least 14 people were killed in the blaze that erupted in a three-storey building housing a coaching centre in the Purniya area of Aliganj, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said. All the victims were reportedly aged between 20 and 24 years.

The fire quickly engulfed the building, filling it with thick smoke and triggering panic among students and others present. In an attempt to escape, some people reportedly jumped from the upper floors and the terrace, sustaining injuries.

According to eyewitnesses, smoke was first seen billowing from the building in the afternoon before the fire spread rapidly through the structure, news agency IANS reported.

PM announces Rs 2-lakh aid for families of victims

PM Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

"Anguished by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest," Modi said in a post on X.

"Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs 50,000," he added.

(With IANS inputs)