Investigation Launched After Deadly Fire Kills 15 in Northern India

LUCKNOW, India — Authorities in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh have launched an investigation after a devastating fire tore through a commercial building in Lucknow, killing at least 15 people and injuring several others.
The blaze broke out on Monday in a multi-storey building in the Aliganj area of the city, trapping dozens of occupants inside. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and battled the flames for several hours as rescue teams worked to evacuate those trapped in the smoke-filled structure.
Officials said many of the victims were young students and trainees attending an animation and gaming training centre housed within the building. Several others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire may have started on the lower floor before rapidly spreading through the building, cutting off escape routes for many of those inside. Investigators are examining whether an electrical fault or other safety failures may have contributed to the incident.
In response to the tragedy, state authorities ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and assess whether building owners or officials failed to comply with safety regulations. Several individuals linked to the management of the premises have been detained, while government officials responsible for oversight have been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.
The incident has renewed concerns over fire safety standards in India, where similar disasters have exposed weaknesses in building regulation enforcement and emergency preparedness. Safety experts have repeatedly called for stricter inspections and compliance measures, particularly in commercial and educational facilities.
Government officials have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged that those found responsible for negligence will be held accountable.
As investigators continue their work, families are mourning the loss of loved ones in a tragedy that has shocked the city and reignited debate over public safety and regulatory enforcement.
The fire is among the deadliest building disasters recorded in the region in recent years, prompting fresh calls for reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Source BBC NEWS