PM Modi expresses anguish over Lucknow fire, announces Rs 2 lakh Ex-Gratia for victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep anguish over the tragic fire incident at a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, which claimed more than 12 lives and left several others injured.

The fire broke out in a three-storey commercial building housing a coaching institute, triggering a large-scale rescue and firefighting operation. Several students were reportedly trapped inside the building as thick smoke engulfed the premises.

In response to the tragedy, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Fire tenders and rescue teams rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported, while Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also visited the site and reviewed the ongoing operations.

Eyewitness accounts suggested that some students managed to escape, while others were feared trapped inside. Officials, however, have not yet confirmed the total number of those inside the building at the time of the fire.

Rescue operations continued for several hours as fire personnel attempted to control the blaze and search for survivors. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which has raised serious concerns over safety standards in commercial buildings housing coaching centres.