NDTV, Lucknow

At least 13 people were killed after a deadly fire broke out at a building housing a coaching centre in the Aliganj area of Lucknow, the capital of India’s Uttar Pradesh state, on Monday.

Several people were trapped after the fire erupted and some students jumped from the first floor.

The fire raged for over an hour and at least 13 bodies were brought out after it was brought under control.

The building, located in a commercial area, has a pet shop and other stores apart from the coaching centre. Witnesses said several people jumped from the centre, which is on the first floor, and a video shows a man falling while attempting to escape.

In one video, the man can be seen climbing out of what appears to be a shattered window of the building. The man tries to hang on to a ledge but cannot hold on, falling onto a fence before hitting the ground.

Some people are seen helping him up and carrying him to safety. He suffered injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Police and fire teams reached the spot and brought the fire under control. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also visited the scene to monitor the rescue efforts.

“Every single item is being moved and checked, and every room is being inspected. There was a lot of wooden furniture inside, and the smoke is obscuring visibility. Fire brigade personnel are inside and NDRF teams are also on-site,” Pathak said.

“The fire broke out suddenly. Children used to come here to learn animation. I have not received any information yet on exactly how the fire broke out. The injured are being sent to the KGMC Trauma Centre… They were around 16-17 years old. Orders for a high-level inquiry into the incident have been issued,” he added.

A witness said, “It’s a three-storey building. The fire broke out on the top floor and spread quickly. Some of the windows were shattered as part of the rescue efforts.”

Bystanders told NDTV that several people, including students, were trapped inside the building, but there was no official confirmation on the exact number.

“Five to seven students jumped. One of them also suffered broken bones,” said another witness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was anguished by the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs2 lakh for the families of those who have died and Rs50,000 for the injured.

“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. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi,” the Prime Minister’s Office wrote in a post on X.

Expressing his condolences, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to establish contact with the affected families and provide all possible assistance.