LUCKNOW: A fire broke out in a multi-storey commercial building in Lucknow on Monday afternoon, triggering a large-scale rescue operation by emergency services.
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FIRE AT A COACHING CENTER WILL REVIVE DEBATE AROUND UNREGULATED URBAN GROWTH.
In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh several people were seen jumping from the first floor of a coaching center caught in a massive fire sparked by a short circuit. pic.twitter.com/1CVz1BZs8K— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) June 22, 2026
According to local media reports, casualties and injuries were reported in the incident, although a final toll had not been independently confirmed by late evening. Emergency teams continued search operations as efforts were made to account for all occupants of the building.
The incident occurred in the Aliganj area, where the building housed a library and coaching facility on the upper floors, along with an animation studio and commercial establishments on lower levels.
Witnesses said thick smoke spread rapidly through the structure, making evacuation difficult. Some occupants reportedly sought refuge in washrooms and enclosed spaces while awaiting assistance. Several people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Firefighters, supported by disaster response teams, worked to contain the blaze and search the premises. Emergency crews used specialised equipment and gained access to parts of the building through adjoining structures and external walls.
Hospital sources said injured people had been admitted for treatment, while the full extent of casualties was still being assessed. Preliminary information suggested that smoke inhalation may have contributed to some of the reported fatalities, though further details were awaited.
Senior state leaders and administrative officials visited the site to monitor rescue efforts. One senior leader cut short a scheduled programme elsewhere in the state and returned to Lucknow following reports of the incident.
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed. Witnesses and employees cited a possible electrical fault, but the circumstances surrounding the blaze remain under investigation.
Emergency teams remained at the scene into the evening as rescue and recovery efforts continued.
