GUWAHATI: More than 14 people were killed and several others injured after a massive fire broke out in a three-storey commercial building housing an animation and coaching centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, according to media reports.
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Reports said the coaching centre was located on the upper floor of a building in the Purnia area. As the fire spread rapidly, several students reportedly jumped from the building to escape, while local residents and emergency responders rushed to rescue those trapped inside.
Preliminary information suggests the blaze may have been caused by a short circuit in an air conditioning unit. The incident triggered chaotic scenes in the area as large crowds gathered and rescue operations got underway.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the tragedy and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured and said rescue operations are underway, with authorities providing all possible assistance.
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000.