A fire broke out in a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, killing at least 14 people, officials confirmed. The building housed a library and a coaching centre for college students.
Fire Started on Middle Floor
The blaze originated on the middle floor of the building, located in a residential area, and quickly spread to other levels, according to local authorities. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated, "Fourteen children from happy families were killed in the incident." He added that four others were injured in the blaze.
Students Jumped to Escape
Witnesses reported that multiple students jumped from the upper floors onto the street below to escape the flames, as confirmed by an AFP reporter on the scene. It remains unclear whether all the deceased were students.
Rescue and Investigation
Emergency services responded to the scene, and rescue operations were launched. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The incident highlights safety concerns in commercial buildings used for educational purposes.
