A devastating fire ravaged a commercial building in India, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 14 lives. The incident occurred on Monday, June 23, in Lucknow, a city in northern India. Among the victims were predominantly students.
The fire engulfed the building which accommodated a pet shop and veterinary clinic on the lower levels, and a study center and an animation studio on the upper floors. The exact cause of the blaze remains unknown at this time.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak of Uttar Pradesh confirmed the recovery of 14 bodies from the site. Additionally, reports indicated that 10 individuals were successfully rescued and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Videos circulating on social media depicted harrowing scenes of individuals escaping through broken windows.
Footage captured a dramatic moment where a man was seen falling from an upper floor while attempting to flee the flames. Fortunately, he survived the fall and was promptly hospitalized. Firefighters faced challenges due to dense smoke hindering rescue operations, leading them to break through a rear wall to gain access to the building.
Efforts to clear the smoke included the deployment of exhaust fans while emergency crews meticulously searched the premises in hopes of finding survivors. This tragic incident echoes a similar event in April at the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata, where guests faced a similar ordeal during a fire outbreak, resulting in casualties.
Unfortunately, such fire-related tragedies are not uncommon in India, as many builders and residents disregard building regulations and safety standards. Activists have criticized the authorities for negligence and lack of concern, pointing out that cost-cutting measures often compromise safety measures in construction projects.
Regrettably, in 2022, New Delhi witnessed another deadly fire incident claiming the lives of 27 individuals in a four-story commercial building.