At least 15 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a major fire erupted on Monday afternoon at a gaming zone and software office located on the third floor of a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. Rescue teams continued search operations amid concerns that the number of casualties could increase. Visuals from the scene showed emergency personnel using ropes and wires to evacuate people trapped inside the building, while firefighters and rescue workers spent several hours bringing the blaze under control and rescuing those stranded. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and authorities have initiated an investigation.
The affected building is situated in Sector D of Aliganj. Preliminary information indicates that the basement, ground floor and first floor housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic. The second floor accommodated a coaching institute called Learning Space along with Head Hopper Studio, a company involved in 3D art production and game asset outsourcing. As the fire and smoke spread rapidly through the structure, several students reportedly locked themselves inside bathrooms in an attempt to protect themselves. One student jumped from the first floor to escape the flames but landed on a metal grill below, suffering serious injuries.
While the exact cause remains under investigation, officials suspect that a short circuit in an air-conditioning unit installed in the basement may have triggered the fire. Authorities are conducting a detailed probe to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
According to fire department officials, the first firefighting teams reached the location within minutes of receiving information about the blaze. Two fire tenders reportedly arrived within approximately two minutes and fifteen seconds, while three additional vehicles reached the site within five minutes. Despite the quick response, firefighters encountered significant challenges because of the intensity of the flames and dense smoke. Rescue teams were eventually able to access the affected areas only after a hydraulic fire brigade vehicle arrived and personnel broke through a wall to enter the building.
Officials also noted that under existing fire safety regulations, buildings below 15 metres in height and covering less than 500 square metres are not required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department. Preliminary information suggests that the commercial building met these criteria.
The rescue operation continued for several hours, with personnel from the fire department, police, NDRF, SDRF and Civil Defence carrying out an extensive floor-by-floor search. In some sections of the building, rescue teams reportedly drilled through walls to reach those trapped inside. Hospitals were placed on alert, while ambulances and medical teams were deployed to handle the emergency. Rescue workers continued to battle heavy smoke while searching for survivors and evacuating occupants. A total of 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were deployed to manage the situation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the incident and directed senior officials to immediately reach the site and oversee rescue and relief efforts. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, he instructed authorities to speed up rescue operations, ensure the safe evacuation of those trapped and provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured. He also directed the administration to remain on high alert, closely monitor the situation and maintain continuous supervision of relief operations while ensuring timely medical assistance for all affected individuals.
