LUCKNOw: A devastating fire broke out Monday at a commercial complex near Purnea Junction in the Aliganj area of Uttar Pradesh’s capital, claiming at least 11 lives and leaving several others critically injured. The blaze, which originated in a ground-floor shop and spread rapidly to the upper floors, trapped hundreds of students inside a prominent coaching centre operating in the building, triggering scenes of panic and chaos.
The fire is believed to have started due to a short circuit in the shop on the lower floor. Within moments, flames and dense smoke engulfed the entire building, cutting off escape routes and leaving students gasping for air. With exits blocked by fire, several students in desperation jumped from windows, ledges, and the rooftop in a bid to save their lives, sustaining serious injuries in the process. Police officials have confirmed that some students may still be trapped inside, unconscious due to smoke inhalation.
Fire tenders and local police rushed to the scene upon receiving the alert, though local residents had already begun rescue efforts before their arrival. Injured students and those who had jumped from the building were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Firefighters deployed hydraulic platforms and ladders to intensify rescue operations and evacuate those still trapped inside.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the absence of adequate fire safety standards in the building significantly worsened the scale of the disaster. The commercial complex housed not only the coaching centre but also a gaming zone, which accounts for the large number of students and employees present at the time of the incident.
Rescue operations are continuing on a war footing as authorities work to bring the blaze fully under control and account for all those who were inside the building at the time of the fire.