Stringent Inquiry Ordered After 15 Killed in Lucknow Fire

A blaze on Monday night in the densely populated Aliganj area of Lucknow's western neighbourhood killed at least 15 people and left many injured. The fire erupted in a three‑storey building that housed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation and 3D gaming centre on the upper levels.

Witnesses described scenes of panic, with occupants falling over power cables and leaping from windows. Firefighters fought to reach the terraces via a neighbouring building and had to breach a side wall to carry out rescue operations. The building's sole staircase was engulfed in flames, cutting off the only exit.

An inquiry has been ordered by deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, who directed authorities to stop such incidents. Police have arrested four people and suspended four public officials; charges have been filed for acts causing or endangering life.

Officials say the fire's cause remains uncertain. The building lacked emergency exits, and a biometric entry system had restricted access to certain areas, making escape difficult when the blaze erupted.

The tragedy comes less than a month after a deadly fire at a bed‑and‑breakfast in Delhi that claimed several lives, highlighting a pattern of fire safety violations across India’s commercial properties.

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