Lucknow: 15 dead as blaze rips through building housing pet shop, animation centre

The blaze erupted at the building on Usha Mehta Marg in the Purania locality, sending thick smoke into the air and triggering panic among occupants and nearby residents.

Firefighters, police personnel, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Civil Defence teams worked for several hours before bringing the fire under control.

Death toll hits 15

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed that at least 15 people died in the incident.

Most of the victims are believed to have been young people aged between 20 and 24 who were inside the building when the fire broke out.

Rescue teams searched smoke-filled rooms and washrooms amid concerns that several people had become trapped as flames rapidly spread through the structure.

PM Modi announces financial assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and those injured.

"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. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister's Office announced that the next of kin of each deceased victim would receive Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), while injured victims would receive Rs 50,000.

Intensive search operation conducted

Emergency personnel conducted a floor-by-floor search for survivors inside the building.

Earlier in the operation, Brajesh Pathak told the media that information from children who escaped had raised concerns that more people remained trapped.

"Three to four children who managed to come out informed us that some students were still inside the washrooms. We are conducting a room-by-room search, and fire brigade personnel are checking every washroom," he said.

Authorities placed hospitals, ambulances and medical teams on high alert while rescue workers battled heavy smoke conditions.

Family members awaited updates

Outside the building, anxious relatives gathered as rescue efforts continued.

Among them was Shakeel, whose younger brother was inside when the fire started.

Recalling his final conversation, Shakeel said: "He called and said, 'Bhaiya, five-six people are locked inside a bathroom.' After that, there was no contact. We have not heard from him since."

The account highlighted the fear and uncertainty experienced by those trapped inside the building.

Eyewitnesses describe panic, escape attempts

Residents reported chaotic scenes as smoke engulfed the premises.

One local resident said, "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 are still feared to be trapped inside."

Another witness said, "When I arrived at the spot, I saw smoke billowing from the building. Some students had already been rescued, and four to five students managed to come out of the building. However, some were still believed to be trapped inside, though the exact number had not been confirmed."

Visuals from the scene showed at least one person jumping from the building as flames spread.

The injured individual was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Building housed pet shop, animation centre

Initial reports suggested the fire had started at a coaching institute.

However, senior police officials later clarified that no coaching centre or library was operating from the premises.

According to authorities, the ground floor housed a pet shop, while an animation and gaming-related training centre used the upper floors.

An animal welfare enthusiast, who used to visit the pet shop almost regularly, said the establishment also accommodated animals and veterinary services.

"There were not only pet products here. A veterinary doctor also used to sit here, and some pets were kept inside. Some people may have managed to run out and save themselves, but it is unlikely that the animals could have escaped the fire on their own," she said.

Officials confirmed that several animals were rescued, although they have not disclosed whether any animals died in the incident.

CM orders probe

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his programme in Aligarh after receiving information about the fire and announced that he would return to Lucknow immediately.

"I had sincerely wished to remain in Aligarh today, but I have to say with sadness that I have just received information about a tragic fire incident in Lucknow. Some children came under its grip and lost their lives. Therefore, I have to return immediately," he said.

The Chief Minister directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to visit the site and submit a detailed report.

"I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I have asked the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to reach the spot and present a report. I am also proceeding there myself so that the matter can be thoroughly investigated, those responsible can be punished, and condolences can be conveyed to the affected families," he said.

He also instructed officials to maintain contact with affected families, provide all possible assistance and ensure appropriate medical treatment for the injured.

National leaders express condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed condolences following the tragedy.

Rajnath Singh described the incident as "heart-wrenching", while Jagdeep Dhankhar said the loss of lives was "deeply painful" and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati also termed the incident "extremely tragic" and expressed sympathy for the affected families.

Cause of fire yet to be determined

According to reports, the fire department received information about the blaze at around 3 pm and deployed 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, to tackle the flames.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

Fire and police officials are expected to begin a detailed investigation after cooling operations conclude, and the building is declared safe for inspection.

Senior administrative and police officers remained at the site as authorities assessed the damage caused by one of the deadliest fire incidents reported in Lucknow in recent years.