At least 15 people, most of them students, died after a fire broke out at an animation training centre in Lucknow, northern India, on Monday. Authorities confirmed the casualties and launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
The fire erupted in the Aliganj area of Lucknow and quickly spread through the building. As a result, several students became trapped inside before emergency teams reached the scene.
Television footage showed firefighters, rescue workers, and police personnel carrying bodies from the building. Meanwhile, large crowds gathered outside as authorities continued rescue and recovery operations.
Police said around 21 students were inside the training centre when the fire started. Officials confirmed that two students sustained serious injuries, while four others remained in stable condition and received medical treatment.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described the incident as deeply tragic. He said authorities were investigating the cause of the fire. He also confirmed that the facility provided animation training to students.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. In a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, he extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.
Furthermore, Modi said rescue operations were continuing and that authorities were providing all possible assistance to those affected by the disaster.
The prime minister also announced financial compensation for the victims’ families. The next of kin of each deceased person will receive INR200,000 from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. In addition, each injured person will receive INR50,000 in financial assistance.
The tragedy comes only weeks after a deadly hotel fire in Delhi claimed at least 20 lives, including more than 10 foreign nationals. Consequently, the latest incident has renewed concerns over fire safety standards and emergency preparedness across India.
