At least 15 people, most of them students, were killed in a fire that broke out at an animation training centre in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, authorities confirmed. The fire erupted in the Aliganj area of the city, trapping several individuals inside the building, according to local media reports.
Details of the Incident
Police officials stated that approximately 21 students were present at the centre when the fire started. Two students sustained serious injuries and were hospitalised, while four others were reported to be in stable condition. Television footage showed emergency responders and uniformed personnel carrying bodies from the site as large crowds gathered nearby.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described the incident as a major tragedy. “This is a major incident, it’s very saddening,” he told the media. He added that the cause of the fire was under investigation and that the centre provided training in animation to students.
Government Response and Condolences
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in a post on X. “Anguished by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance,” the official statement read.
Modi also announced an ex-gratia of INR200,000 (approximately $2,400) from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased. Injured individuals were promised a support grant of INR50,000 (about $600) from the Prime Minister's office.
Broader Context of Fire Safety Concerns
The incident comes just weeks after a deadly hotel fire in Delhi killed at least 20 people, including over 10 foreign nationals. That tragedy renewed concerns over fire safety standards across India, with critics pointing to inadequate enforcement of building codes and lack of emergency preparedness.
Authorities in Lucknow have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and whether the training centre complied with safety regulations. The state government has assured full support to the affected families and promised strict action if negligence is found.
