15 students die after fire breaks out at coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj

Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire: Around 15 students have died after a fire broke out in a three-floor commercial building in Aliganj, Lucknow. As per media reports, 3-4 children had locked themselves inside the washroom, which prompted fire brigade personnel to reach the top floor; however, no one was found on the floor.

According to Dr Anil Agrawal, Medical Superintendent, Trauma Centre at King George's Medical University (KGMU), atleast 21 to 22 children were brought in after the fire broke out at the coaching centre.

"15 people have been brought in a deceased state. They will be sent to the morgue for autopsy after completing the inquest procedure," he said. Five of them had minor injuries and have been admitted.

Moreover, two children jumped from the building and suffered back injuries. They are being treated after CT scans and other procedures, Agrawal added.

Also read IIM Lucknow collaborates with NIDM on disaster management research

Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire: PM Modi announces ex-gratia

After the fire incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased, and the injured would be given Rs 50,000.

"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," PM Modi's post reads on X (formerly Twitter).

The state's chief minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his visit to Aligarh and returned to Lucknow upon hearing information about the fire tragedy.

"My heartfelt desire was to stay in Aligarh today, but I have to say with sadness that I have just received information that a tragic fire incident has taken place in Lucknow. Some children have been caught in it and have lost their lives. Therefore, I have to return immediately," Adityanath said.

The CM also asked the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to reach the spot and submit a report.

A mother's plea to reach her trapped son

According to the Press Trust of India (PTI) reports, as a mother begged police to let her reach her trapped son and the general public made frantic calls for help from inside a smoke-filled building, several residents and rescue teams raced against time to save those caught in the building.

"Mujhe jaane do apne bete ke paas", a woman was caught crying repeatedly, pleading with officials as rescue operations continued.

Anurag Pandit, a civil services aspirant, said he was only praying for the safety of those trapped inside. "I am praying they are alive," he said.

A total of 19 fire tenders, multiple firefighting teams, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other rescue personnel were deployed to battle the blaze and search for survivors.