A devastating fire ripped through a commercial building in the northern Indian city of Lucknow on Monday, leaving at least 14 people dead — most of them students — according to officials.
The fire ignited in the Aliganj neighborhood. The building housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic on its lower levels, while a study center and an animation studio occupied the upper floors.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed that 14 bodies had been recovered from the scene. Officials also reported that at least 10 survivors were pulled from the building and transported to a hospital for medical care.
Investigators had not yet determined what caused the fire.
Videos circulating on social media captured people climbing out of shattered windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. One clip appeared to show a man plunging from an upper floor during his escape attempt. Local media outlets reported that he survived and was taken to the hospital.
Firefighters were forced to break through a rear wall to gain entry to the building after thick smoke blocked their access. Officials said exhaust fans were deployed to help clear the smoke while emergency crews methodically searched rooms and restrooms for anyone still trapped inside.
Mohammad Asin, who worked at the animation studio, described the terrifying moments after the fire broke out. He and his coworkers had just come back from their lunch break when they were warned about the fire.
“At first we thought it was a small fire. By the time we tried to leave, smoke had filled the rooms and passageways,” he said.
Fatal fires occur with troubling frequency across India, where building codes and safety regulations are routinely ignored by both developers and occupants.
