Lucknow: 14 killed, several injured in fire at building housing pet shop, gaming zone; PM, CM announce relief
PTC News Desk: At least fourteen people were killed and several others injured after a fire broke out on Sunday at a building in Lucknow, triggering panic among the residents and locals and prompting swift rescue operation.
The blaze erupted in the Purnia area of Aliganj, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and engulfing the building in flames.
According to police, a pet shop was operating on the ground floor of the building, while the upper floor housed a gaming zone where employees worked on software related to games.
The exact cause behind the blaze has not been ascertained yet.
The fire is belived to be started in the lower portion of the building and rapidly spreading through the upper portions.
Several teams of fire department launched extensive operation to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. It is believed that most of victims were young who were present inside the building when the fire broke out.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the site, said reports of a few people being trapped had not yet been confirmed.
"There is unconfirmed information that four to five people may be trapped, but everyone else has been evacuated safely," Pathak said.
PM MODI ANNOUNCES EX-GRATIA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Lucknow fire and announced financial assistance for the families of the victims and those injured in the incident.
- With inputs from agencies
