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A Deadly Blaze Claims 15 Lives in Lucknow
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A fire that erupted on Monday in a three‑floor commercial building in Lucknow’s densely populated Aliganj area destroyed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation and 3D gaming centre on the upper levels, killing at least 15 people, officials said.
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Witnesses reported that the building’s only staircase was buried in smoke, locking people inside. Some tried to escape by climbing down power cables or leaping from windows, while police and firefighters broke through a wall from a neighbouring building to reach the terrace and rescue victims.
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The fire’s cause remains unknown. The building’s lack of emergency exits compounded the danger, forcing residents and employees to improvise escape routes. Police have charged several individuals and arrested four people in connection with the blaze; four public officials were also suspended.
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Victims included trainees and employees of the animation centre, who were trapped inside during the outbreak. A trainee named Mohammad Shazan’s brother recounted that Shazan called family members from a washroom before losing the chance to escape.
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Anurag Ojha, a witness, described seeing “foul smells” and a huge fire in the building, and people shouting for help. Local residents rushed to the scene, smashing windows to create escape routes for those inside.
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Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the investigation is underway “to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.” He directed authorities to enforce stricter compliance with fire safety rules.
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The Lucknow tragedy follows a recent Delhi blaze that killed several people at a bed‑and‑breakfast. Together, the incidents spotlight ongoing fire safety deficiencies in India’s commercial‑building sector.
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