RismadarVoice Reporters, June 22, 2026
At least 14 people, most of them students, lost their lives after a fire engulfed a commercial building in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, authorities said.
The blaze broke out in the Aliganj area of the city and rapidly spread through a multi-purpose building that housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic on its lower floors, while the upper levels accommodated a study centre and an animation training studio.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed that 14 bodies had been recovered from the scene. Emergency responders also rescued at least 10 people, who were taken to hospital for treatment.
The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Monday evening, with investigations ongoing.
Videos circulating on social media showed dramatic scenes as trapped occupants attempted to escape through windows. One clip appeared to show a man falling from an upper floor while trying to flee the flames. Local media reports indicated that he survived and was receiving medical care.
Firefighters faced significant challenges during the rescue operation due to thick smoke that filled the building. Emergency crews reportedly gained access by breaking through a rear wall after conventional entry points became inaccessible.
Authorities said industrial exhaust fans were deployed to clear the smoke while rescue teams conducted room-to-room searches, including washrooms and enclosed spaces, in an effort to locate survivors.
Investigations into the cause of the blaze are continuing.
