Fire tears through building in northern India, killing 14, mostly students

LUCKNOW, India — A devastating fire tore through a multi-story commercial building in northern India on Tuesday, killing at least 14 people and injuring numerous others as thick smoke and flames trapped occupants inside.

The blaze erupted in the Aliganj neighborhood of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh state, in a building that housed a variety of businesses and educational facilities. Officials said the lower floors contained a pet shop and veterinary clinic, while upper levels were occupied by a study center and an animation studio.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene after reports of people trapped inside the structure. Witnesses described scenes of panic as dense black smoke quickly filled hallways and rooms, cutting off escape routes and forcing occupants to search desperately for ways out.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said authorities had recovered 14 bodies from the building following a lengthy rescue and recovery operation.

At least 10 additional people were rescued and transported to local hospitals for treatment. The extent of their injuries was not immediately known.

Videos posted to social media appeared to capture the terrifying moments as people attempted to escape the growing inferno. Some individuals were seen climbing out of shattered windows in an effort to avoid the smoke and flames.

One widely shared video appeared to show a man falling from an upper floor while trying to flee the building. Local media reports later indicated that he survived the fall and was hospitalized.

Firefighters faced significant challenges during the rescue effort.

Officials said thick smoke made it nearly impossible to enter portions of the building through conventional access points. Rescue teams ultimately resorted to breaking through a rear wall to reach trapped occupants. Large exhaust fans were brought to the scene in an effort to clear smoke from the structure while crews systematically searched rooms, offices, hallways, and washrooms for survivors.

The operation continued for hours as emergency personnel worked their way through the smoke-filled building.

Mohammad Asin, who works at the animation studio located on one of the upper floors, said employees had just returned from lunch when they first learned there was a fire somewhere in the building.

“At first we thought it was a small fire and that it would be controlled quickly,” Asin said. “But within minutes, smoke began filling the rooms and passageways. It became difficult to see and even harder to breathe.”

He said workers quickly realized the situation was far more serious than they had initially believed.

Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the blaze. Investigators are expected to examine electrical systems, building conditions, and other possible causes as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns about fire safety in India, where fatal building fires occur with troubling regularity.

Experts say inadequate safety measures, overcrowding, blocked exits, faulty electrical wiring, and poor enforcement of building regulations have contributed to numerous deadly incidents across the country over the years.

Despite periodic crackdowns and calls for reform, many structures continue to operate without fully complying with safety requirements.

As investigators search for answers, grieving families are mourning the victims of the latest disaster while officials face renewed questions about whether more could have been done to prevent the loss of life.

The identities of those killed had not been fully released as authorities continued notifying relatives and completing identification procedures.