Blaze at an unauthorised commercial building in Lucknow leaves 15 people dead
The victims were young people attending a 3D graphics class offered by an animation studio. The building had been subject to a demolition order in 2016 due to serious flaws, which was later revoked. Bishop Gerald Mathias sent his “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families”, urging the authorities to take “appropriate measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Lucknow (AsiaNews) – At least 15 young people lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out yesterday at a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj neighbourhood, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
The flames, which raged for over an hour before they were extinguished by firefighters, also injured scores, leaving behind a trail of grief and serious questions about the building’s safety.
The victims included students attending animation classes during the summer holidays, young artists, and employees of a studio specialising in 3D graphics and video game content development.
The building housed a training centre and a creative studio on the upper floors, while the lower levels housed a pet shop and a veterinary clinic.
According to witnesses, panic quickly spread when thick smoke filled the upper floors, trapping students and employees. Some young people reportedly took refuge in the bathrooms in a desperate attempt to protect themselves from the flames while awaiting rescue.
The initial investigation points to serious issues, leading to the arrest of four people, including the building’s owner.
According to government records, the building had been approved in 2014 as part of a self-certification building plan scheme for residential purposes.
Subsequently, the authorities discovered unauthorised construction, which led to a demolition order in May 2016; however, the order was revoked less than two months later, allowing the structure to be used.
The building was also drawing power far beyond what was authorised. Investigators have found previous overload warnings, possible deficiencies in safety systems, and the reasons why the circuit breakers failed to work.
In light of the tragedy, Bishop Gerald John Mathias of Lucknow, expressed his deepest condolences.
“Very sorry to learn that many innocent young students died in a tragic fire,” Bishop Mathias said, speaking to AsiaNews. “It is indeed a tragedy that so many innocent, young lives are lost.”
Regarding the victims’ families, “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray to God to grant the departed souls eternal life and everlasting peace.”
He also expressed his closeness to the injured, wishing them a “speedy recovery”, and appealed to the “concerned authorities to take appropriate measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
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