Lucknow - A fire tore through a three-storey commercial building in the Aliganj neighbourhood of Lucknow, northern India, on Monday, 22 June 2026 afternoon, killing at least 15 people, most of them college students, and injuring four others due to dense smoke that's trapped occupants inside a study centre and animation studio on the upper floors.
The blaze broke out in a building that housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic on the lower floors, with a study centre and animation studio above. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. At least 10 people were rescued and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Firefighters had to force their way into the building by breaking through a wall after dense smoke hindered rescue efforts. Exhaust fans were brought in to clear the smoke while emergency crews searched rooms for survivors.
Videos spread on social media showed people climbing out of broken windows, with one clip appearing to show a man falling from an upper floor while attempting to escape. He was reportedly taken to hospital.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed the death toll and described the human cost plainly.
"Fourteen children from happy families were killed in the incident," he said, adding that four others were injured.
Deadly fires are common in India, where building laws and safety norms are often flouted by builders and residents. Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause and whether the building met required safety standards.***
