Lucknow coaching centre fire: CM Yogi forms two-member SIT, three arrested as 15 killed in tragedy

In connection with the deadly fire incident under the Aliganj police station limits in Lucknow, police have registered an FIR under Sections 110, 105, 125 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 6 and 10 of the Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Act, against four named accused and other responsible persons. Police have so far arrested three individuals: Ramakrishna Upadhyay (43), Virendra Prasad Shukla (62), and Tushok Krishna Jaiswal (31).

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has suspended four officials with immediate effect in connection with the Lucknow fire incident. The suspended officials are:

• Gaurav Kumar – Executive Engineer (Collection), Jankipuram
• Kamlendra Kumar Singh – Fire Safety Station Officer (FSSO), Indira Nagar
• Anil Kumar – Assistant Engineer (AE)
• Pramod Pandey – Junior Engineer (JE)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with officials and doctors at King George's Medical University (KGMU) after meeting the injured of the fire incident.  

Fresh details have emerged about the building where the deadly fire broke out in Lucknow's Aliganj area, raising questions about its construction and regulatory history. According to official records, the building had a residential building plan approved on August 20, 2014, for a plot measuring 1,992 square feet. However, in 2016, the development authority reportedly initiated legal proceedings alleging unauthorised construction at the property. Following the case, the competent authority passed a demolition order on May 10, 2016. Sources said the demolition order was subsequently revoked on July 5, 2016, after claims were made that the construction had been carried out in accordance with the approved building plan and concerns were raised regarding the hearing process.

According to sources, a formal complaint has been submitted at the Aliganj police station, and an FIR is being registered on the basis of the complaint. Sources said that Virendra Shukla, Surendra Shukla and Dhirendra Shukla have been named in the complaint. Virendra Shukla is reportedly associated with the Rameshwaram Institute, where a number of young students were engaged in computer coding and technical training activities.

According to sources, firefighters faced significant difficulty accessing the building despite a rapid response to the Lucknow fire incident. Sources said that the first two fire tenders reached the spot within 2 minutes and 15 seconds of receiving the alert, while a total of five fire engines had arrived within the first five minutes. However, firefighters were initially unable to enter the premises due to structural obstacles. Sources claimed that rescue personnel were able to gain access only after a hydraulic fire-fighting unit arrived and a wall was broken to create an entry point.

Sources further stated that under existing fire safety regulations, buildings below 15 metres in height and having an area of less than 500 square metres are not required to obtain a fire department No Objection Certificate (NOC).

According to sources, the owner of the complex allegedly took advantage of this provision while developing the commercial building. Sources also claimed that no application for a fire safety NOC was ever submitted by the owner. These claims are part of the ongoing investigation, and authorities are examining whether any fire safety norms or building regulations were violated.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits the site of the fire incident in Lucknow. He said, "A tragic incident has occurred today. I extend my condolences to all the bereaved families. As the Chief Minister has stated, a thorough investigation into the entire matter will be conducted, and accountability will be fixed for anyone found responsible."

Following a high-level review meeting on the Lucknow fire tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the formation of a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The SIT comprises: Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Religious Affairs and Culture Department. The other member of the SIT is Praveen Kumar, Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow Zone.

The Chief Minister has directed the investigation team to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and submit its report within seven days. The decision was taken after a high-level meeting convened by the Chief Minister to review the circumstances surrounding the deadly blaze, which claimed 15 lives and left several others injured. Authorities are expected to examine possible lapses in safety measures, compliance with fire regulations and accountability for the tragedy.

Grief-stricken family members and relatives wait outside the post-mortem house in Lucknow following the Aliganj fire tragedy that claimed 15 lives on Monday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached Lucknow. He will first visit the site of the fire incident to assess the situation and will then proceed to King George’s Medical University (KGMU) to meet the injured and inquire about their condition.

The death count in the devastating fire incident in Lucknow has risen to 15, while nine people have been injured, according to the latest official figures.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has cancelled all his official programmes scheduled for June 23 in the wake of the devastating Lucknow fire incident. The Chief Minister was scheduled to visit Hathras on Tuesday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for 143 development projects worth Rs 548 crore. He was also slated to travel to Agra for a review meeting on development works and the law-and-order situation.

Notably, when the fire broke out in Lucknow, Yogi Adityanath was addressing a public event in Aligarh related to development projects. Upon receiving information about the incident, he cut short his programme and immediately left for Lucknow. The Chief Minister first visited the fire site in the Aliganj area, where he was briefed by officials on the rescue and relief operations. He later went to the King George's Medical University (KGMU) hospital to meet the injured victims and their family members and review the treatment being provided.

UP minister Suresh Khanna said, "The incident is extremely heartbreaking and deeply unfortunate. Those who play with people's lives in such a manner must be held accountable. The exact facts will emerge once the investigation is completed. However, this is Yogi government, and under his administration, such people will not be spared. There will be no delay, and whoever is found guilty will face the strictest possible action."

Smoke billows from the building as firefighting continues. Fifteen students were "brought dead" at a hospital in Lucknow and seven injured were undergoing treatment after a massive fire blazed through a three-floor commercial building housing an animation centre in a residential area in north Lucknow on a busy Monday afternoon, trapping several people.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has left for Lucknow. He will first visit the site of the fire incident to assess the situation and will then proceed to King George’s Medical University (KGMU) to meet the injured and inquire about their condition.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured the families of the victims that those responsible for the deadly Lucknow fire would face strict action. He announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the blaze.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the Lucknow fire tragedy. The Chief Minister has also announced financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each for those injured in the incident and directed officials to ensure their proper treatment and rehabilitation.

Reacting to the tragic fire incident in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over the loss of lives and called for a thorough investigation into the causes of the blaze. In a post on social media, Yadav said, "Our condolences to those who lost their lives in the fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow. Our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. The government must ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured."

Describing the incident as extremely tragic, he said an honest inquiry should be conducted into the circumstances that led to the fire. "Those children could have belonged to anyone's family. Preventing such heartbreaking accidents in the future should be our collective responsibility," he added.

n the Lucknow fire incident, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "I have received information about a tragic fire incident in Lucknow, in which many people have lost their lives; this is indeed a very sad incident. My condolences are with the affected families in this difficult time and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have spoken to some administrative officials and I am immediately going to Lucknow to take stock of the situation."

Authorities have cordoned off the affected area and deployed police personnel at the incident site as investigations are underway. Fifteen students were "brought dead" at a hospital in Lucknow and seven injured were undergoing treatment after a massive fire blazed through a three-floor commercial building housing an animation centre in a residential area in north Lucknow on a busy Monday afternoon, trapping several people.

Injured students are admitted to the KGMU Trauma Centre. 

Dr Prem Raj Singh, CMS, KGMU Lucknow, said, "15 children who were brought dead have been sent to mortuary for post-mortem. All the injured are stable... Prima facie it appears that the deaths occured due to suffocation from smoke."

According to preliminary information, the victims were between 20 and 28 years of age. Most of those who lost their lives are believed to have died due to suffocation after being trapped inside the smoke-filled building. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the incident site to assess the situation and review the ongoing rescue and relief operations. After inspecting the affected building and receiving updates from officials, the Chief Minister proceeded to King George's Medical University (KGMU), where he met the injured victims undergoing treatment. He enquired about their condition, directed hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and assured all necessary support to those affected by the tragedy.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath arrived at the incident site. Fifteen students were "brought dead" at a hospital in Lucknow and seven injured were undergoing treatment after a massive fire blazed through a three-floor commercial building housing an animation centre in a residential area in north Lucknow on a busy Monday afternoon, trapping several people.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to shortly leave for Lucknow. He will visit the spot where a massive fire broke out today, claiming the lives of 15 people. 

President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences to the bereaved family. In a post on X, the President said, "The news of the deaths of numerous people in the horrific fire accident that occurred in Lucknow is extremely heartbreaking. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the deaths of people in the fire incident at a coaching center in Lucknow. In a post on X, he said, "The news of the deaths of several people and injuries to many others in the fire incident at a coaching center in Lucknow is extremely heartbreaking. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Dr. Amiya Agrawal, Medical Superintendent, Trauma Centre, KGMU, Lucknow said, "21-22 children have been brought here, five of them have injuries, they have been admitted, two of them who jumped, have injuries in back, CT scan has been done, they are being treated, 15 were brought dead, who will be sent to mortuary for autopsy, five have been sent, process to send other 10 is being done."

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is closely monitoring the rescue operation and has been taking regular updates over the phone from senior officials. According to officials, the Chief Minister is receiving minute-by-minute information on the situation and has directed authorities to ensure that rescue and relief efforts are carried out on a war footing.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to visit the site and submit a detailed report on the incident. The Chief Minister said that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and those found responsible would face strict action. He added that ensuring punishment for the guilty would also be a way of expressing solidarity with the affected families. Officials said the Chief Minister has been continuously monitoring the rescue operation over the phone and is receiving minute-by-minute updates from senior authorities overseeing the response.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims' families. He said that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured in the incident would receive 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 stated.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said, "We have learned that there is currently no one on the top floor. Fire brigade personnel have broken through a wall on the first floor to gain entry. There is heavy smoke, and a room-by-room search operation is underway." Emphasising the priority of the state government, Pathak added, "Our priority is to ensure the safe evacuation of all the children; the administration and medical teams have all been placed on high alert. Ambulances are on-site, and we have summoned doctors to the location. Arrangements have also been made right here to provide immediate first aid to any child who might need it."

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak breaks down as he speaks on the Lucknow coaching institute fire incident. He said, "I have seen 14 bodies with my own eyes."

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said, "I have just received information regarding an incident in Lucknow. Some children have been caught in a fire incident there, resulting in their tragic deaths. While the administration is engaged in relief operations, this tragic event requires me to return to Lucknow immediately. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their young ones. I have directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of Uttar Pradesh to visit the site personally and submit a report on the matter. We will get to the bottom of the incident, ensure the guilty are punished, and I offer my condolences to the affected families. I will schedule a separate visit to Aligarh."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took cognisance of the fire incident that broke out at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area earlier today. The Chief Minister directed senior officials to immediately reach the site and oversee the situation. According to an official statement released by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Adityanath has ordered the acceleration of relief and rescue operations to ensure the safety of those trapped. He further directed the administration to ensure that proper medical treatment is provided to all those injured in the incident. "Instructions were issued to the administration to exercise vigilance at all levels. The Chief Minister also directed that relief operations be continuously monitored and issued instructions for the proper treatment of the injured," the CMO stated.

At least 14 people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a building housing a coaching centre in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. The coaching institute was reportedly operating on the upper floor of a commercial building located in the Purnia region. As thick smoke and flames rapidly engulfed parts of the building, several students were forced to jump from the structure to save their lives. Visuals showed several students jumping from the first floor of the building as fire engulfed the structure that houses a pet clinic as well as a centre for students. More than a dozen fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were deployed to control the blaze that was reported at around 3 pm. READ

A fire broke out at a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow on Monday afternoon, following which the fire department launched a rescue and firefighting operation, officials said. The fire department received information about the blaze at around 3 pm from a coaching institute located at Usha Mehta Marg under Aliganj police station limits, they said.