Blaze in India study center leaves at least 14 dead

A blaze in a commercial building in the northern Indian city of Lucknow on Monday has left at least 14 people dead, most of them students.

The fire broke out in a building located in the Aliganj neighborhood, which housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic on the lower floors, in addition to an animation studio and a study center upstairs.

The deputy chief minister of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Brajesh Pathak, confirmed that 14 bodies have been recovered, while ten people were undergoing treatment in a hospital.

Local media reports that several people were injured. Rescue efforts were coordinated by officials from the fire department, police, and district administration.

Authorities have not determined the cause of the blaze. Videos circulating on social media showed people shimmying to the ground on makeshift ropes, as well as a person falling from the first floor while trying to escape. Local media later reported that the man has been hospitalized.

Some animals rescued from the pet clinic were also injured.

Firefighters broke open a wall to gain entry to the building as thick smoke hampered rescue efforts. Exhaust fans were used to clear the smoke.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that cash assistance would be provided to the families of the victims and those hurt in the blaze.

“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,” he posted on X.