Massive fire at Lucknow coaching center, UP Deputy CM says ‘some children jumped’ from building: VIDEO

A massive fire was reported at a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday afternoon. Some people were feared trapped in the building while others had to jump out of the building to escape the fire, claimed an eyewitness, even though there was no official word yet on it.

"A few casualties" are suspected, an official told PTI. However, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said more details will be revealed only after the rescue operation is over.

The fire department received information about the blaze at around 3 pm from the building located at Usha Mehta Marg under Aliganj police station limits, according to news agency PTI.

As many as 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were deployed to control the flames.

A police official said the local police reached the spot immediately after receiving information and teams from nearby fire stations were rushed with water tenders and firefighting equipment.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also reached the site. He said the rescue operation is expected to be completed in a few minutes.

He posted on X, "We have received the extremely distressing news of a massive fire breaking out at a coaching center located in Purania (Sector D), Lucknow."

He informed that the injured are being admitted to hospitals for treatment.

"Necessary instructions have been issued to the officials for the proper treatment of the injured and every possible assistance. A team of specialist doctors, along with six ambulances, is present at the incident site. I am personally heading to the incident site. I pray to God that all the injured recover their health soon," Brajesh Pathak added.

Eyewitnesses said several young people managed to come out of the building after the fire broke out, while some others were reportedly feared trapped inside.

However, there was no official confirmation from the police or fire department regarding anyone being trapped.

A fire department official involved in the rescue operation said the first floor of the building had been checked and no person was found there.

A woman living nearby who runs a paying guest facility told PTI that there was panic at the spot and some people were claiming that students might still be inside the building.

Meanwhile, Deputy CM Pathak said, “A fire broke out at a coaching centre in Aliganj. The priority is to ensure the safe rescue of all the children. Most of the children have already been evacuated. According to their peers, 3-4 children had locked themselves inside the washroom.”

"Some children jumped out; they sustained injuries and have been sent to the hospital. There was a coaching centre, an animation centre, and a pet shop...," Brajesh Pathak told ANI.