Lucknow, June 22: A massive fire tore through a multi-storey building housing an educational hub in Lucknow on Monday, sparking fears of casualties as multiple individuals were reported trapped inside. Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Usha Mehta Marg location, where terrifying video footage captured a youth leaping from the first floor to escape the rapidly advancing flames.
Emergency crews and administrative heads converged on the Aliganj police station limits to manage the crisis. Speaking from the scene of the disaster, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak declared, “The fire had broken out at a coaching centre in the building and efforts were being made to rescue all students safely.”
The incident began to unfold around 3 pm, triggering a large-scale deployment of emergency personnel. Local police units reached the spot immediately, accompanied by teams from surrounding fire stations equipped with water tenders and specialized firefighting apparatus. A total of fourteen fire engines, including a hydraulic platform, worked in tandem to bring the heavy flames under control.
The health department remains on high alert as search operations continue through the damaged structure. Although several young individuals successfully evacuated the building immediately after the fire started, officials fear the worst for those who could not escape in time. A senior health department official affirmed, “A few casualties are suspected in the incident.”
Uncertainty remains regarding the total number of individuals still caught inside the three-storey complex. Authorities are currently cross-referencing accounts from the scene to establish an accurate count. Addressing the ongoing confusion, Deputy CM Pathak stated, “Different figures are coming from eyewitnesses regarding how many people may be trapped. A clear picture will emerge after some time.”
