Critical Lapses in Structural Safety of Coaching Establishment in Lucknow: 15 Dead 7 Injured
Udaipur, June 22, 2026 | Lucknow Fire Update: Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has issued instructions for a rigorous investigation into the Lucknow coaching institute fire that led to the death of 15 students on the spot and injured 7. The DGP of Lucknow and the Addl Chief Secretary have also been instructed to conduct a safety audit of the building where the ill-fated coaching institution is located. Initial reports say that the building housed a pet shop on the ground floor and also had a gaming zone, an animation studio apart from the coaching institution - all hazardous establishments.
Background of the Incident
A three storey building housing a coaching institure, animation studio, pet shop and a gaming zone was englufed in flames early afternoon on June 22. The incident occured in the Aliganj area of Lucknow. Several students and staff members were trapped in the building, which unfortunately did not have the standard safety measures in place. Initial reports blame a short circuit that might have led to the incident. Several occupants of the building jumped from the first and second floor to escape the fire, leading to fatal injuries.
The NDRF, SDRF and other emergency teams were rushed to the spot to undertake the rescue operations. The blaze was brought under control after firefighters battled the huge flames and people were rescued using wires and ropes.
Status of Injured
22 students were rushed to the King George Medical University Trauma Centre, of which 15 were declared brought dead by Dr Amiya Agarwal, the Hospital Medical Superintendant. Of the injured, none is critical but are undergoing intensive treatment as per the reports. Two of the injured have suffered major back injuries as they jumped from the upper floor windows to escape the flames.
The Safety Hazard
Initial investigations reported that the building which housed these establishments had a single entry and exit point. There were no emergency exits and the students were trapped in the smoke-filled room with no vent for escape, after the fire blocked the staircase. There was no ventilation as well in the building and the nearby wall had to be torn down to reach the victims.
