By: The Trek News Desk
A devastating fire broke out in a three-storey commercial building in the Aliganj area of Uttar Pradesh’s capital on Monday, killing 15 people and leaving five others seriously injured. Most of the victims were students attending classes at a graphics and animation training centre located on the second floor of the building.
Authorities have launched swift action following the incident, registering a case against the building owners and arresting three individuals in connection with the tragedy. In addition, four government officials have been suspended over alleged negligence.
Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have originated in the building’s air conditioning (AC) duct system. Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A.K. Sharma stated that the absence of proper emergency exits allowed smoke to spread rapidly, trapping several people inside and leading to deaths due to suffocation.
He added that a detailed investigation will be conducted into possible violations of building safety norms and construction regulations.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that chaos erupted immediately after the fire broke out, with students attempting to escape the building in panic. Reports suggest that at least eight students jumped from upper floors in a desperate attempt to save their lives.
Videos circulating on social media show injured youths falling from the structure and locals rushing to rescue and assist them. During the incident, more than four animals housed in a pet shop and veterinary clinic on the ground floor were also killed in the blaze.
According to fire department officials, the incident was reported around 2:30 PM, prompting the deployment of 12 fire tenders to the site. After nearly three hours of intensive firefighting efforts, the blaze was finally brought under control.
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the fire.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his visit to Aligarh and rushed back to Lucknow upon receiving news of the incident. He later visited the site and assured strict action against those found responsible.
The state government has constituted a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the circumstances of the tragedy and submit its report within seven days.
Police have arrested the building owners, Ram Krishna Upadhyay, Virendra Prasad Shukla, and Tushar Krishna Jaiswal, in connection with the case.
Separately, four officials have been suspended for alleged administrative lapses. Investigations are underway to determine whether proper fire safety standards were followed in the building.
Authorities continue to probe multiple angles, including structural safety violations and emergency preparedness failures, as concerns grow over regulatory negligence in commercial buildings operating educational and public facilities.
Source: News Agencies
