Overview
- A fast-moving fire tore through a three-storey commercial building on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj, Lucknow, and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak later said 14 people died.
- Rescuers used hydraulic platforms, ladders and a breached wall to reach upper floors and evacuate occupants, and heavy smoke and wooden interior fittings slowed entry and search efforts.
- Several students were filmed climbing out of windows and jumping to escape; many injured people were taken to King George's Medical University trauma centre and other hospitals.
- Officials have given conflicting descriptions of the premises, with early reports calling it a coaching or animation centre while police later cited a pet shop on the ground floor and a gaming or software zone above.
- State leaders visited the scene, the prime minister announced ex-gratia payments for victims, and the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a high-level probe that will include forensic and structural checks and review of safety compliance.