Lucknow fire: Rescue teams break wall to reach victims in Aliganj building
A fire that broke out in a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday afternoon claimed the lives of at least 14 people. Firefighting and rescue operations were significantly hampered by the building's difficult access, forcing rescue teams to break a wall in order to reach the victims.
Visuals from the scene showed flames engulfing the building from all sides. Firefighters were seen breaking a hole into a brick wall to push a water hose through, while others carried what appeared to be a body on a stretcher.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the site, acknowledged the challenges faced by rescue teams. 'There was no space to enter, rescue teams had to break a wall to enter,' he told reporters.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been ordered. Authorities have also announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety in commercial buildings in densely populated urban areas. Local residents reported that the building lacked adequate fire exits and that narrow lanes made it difficult for emergency vehicles to approach.
This tragedy is one of the deadliest building fires in Lucknow in recent years. Officials have promised a thorough probe and stricter enforcement of fire safety norms.
