Major Fire Incident Reported at Commercial Building in Lucknow's Aliganj Area

A severe fire incident broke out at a three-storey commercial building in a busy residential area of north Lucknow on Monday afternoon, creating a tense situation as rescue teams worked to save those trapped inside. The blaze, which began around 3:00 PM on Usha Mehta Marg in the Aliganj region, drew immediate emergency responses, including the deployment of fourteen fire tenders and a hydraulic platform vehicle.

Details of the Fire Incident and Rescue Operations

The building, which housed a pet clinic on the ground floor and an animation or coaching centre on the upper levels, became the site of a chaotic rescue effort. Eyewitnesses reported seeing several individuals attempting to jump from the building to escape the thick, rising smoke. Brajesh Pathak, the Deputy Chief Minister, arrived at the location to oversee the emergency response and coordinate the efforts of the fire brigade, NDRF, SDRF, and civil defence personnel.

While reports regarding the exact number of people caught inside varied, authorities prioritized the safe evacuation of all occupants. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to heavy smoke but managed to gain access by breaking through a wall from an adjacent building. According to officials, the primary objective remained the rescue of any trapped students and residents, followed by immediate medical transport for those injured in the fire incident.

The incident also raised concerns about the welfare of animals housed in the ground-floor clinic. Activists and emergency workers were seen attempting to recover animals from the site, with at least three animals confirmed deceased as smoke continued to hamper visibility throughout the late afternoon. As of the time of the rescue, officials stated that a comprehensive search of the premises, including all rooms and washrooms, was underway to ensure no one remained stranded.

Status of the Rescue and Investigation

Police and health officials on the scene confirmed that several people had been hospitalized for treatment. While there was no immediate official confirmation of the exact number of casualties, the presence of ambulances and medical teams ensured that emergency care was readily available for victims. The fire incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by fire hazards in crowded commercial structures located in residential zones. As the flames were brought under control, investigators and rescue personnel continued to assess the building to ensure complete safety and to determine the potential cause of the ignition.