Lucknow coaching centre fire kills 14 in Aliganj, CM Yogi cuts Aligarh visit short
Synopsis
A fire ripped through a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj on 22 June, killing at least 14 young students aged 20–24. Trapped by smoke and blocked exits, some jumped from upper floors to escape. CM Yogi Adityanath cut short his Aligarh visit to return to the city as rescue teams continued working through the blaze — and fears of a rising toll remained.
Key Takeaways
At least 14 people were killed in a fire at a coaching centre in Purania, Aliganj, Lucknow on 22 June .
The deceased were reportedly aged between 20 and 24 years .
Several individuals jumped from upper floors and the terrace in a bid to escape, sustaining serious injuries.
CM Yogi Adityanath cut short his Aligarh visit and returned to Lucknow; both he and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak expressed condolences via posts on X.
A team of specialist doctors and six ambulances was deployed at the site; injured persons were admitted to multiple hospitals.
The cause of the fire had not been ascertained at the time of reporting; a probe is expected.
At least 14 people were killed after a devastating fire tore through a three-storey building housing a coaching centre in the Purania area of Aliganj, Lucknow, on Monday, 22 June, according to Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. The deceased are reported to be between 20 and 24 years of age, with fears that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
How the Fire Unfolded
Eyewitnesses said thick smoke was first spotted billowing from the building in the afternoon, and within a short span the blaze spread rapidly, engulfing the entire structure. Exit routes were quickly blocked by flames and smoke, triggering panic among students inside the coaching centre.
In a desperate bid to escape, several individuals jumped from upper floors and the terrace, sustaining serious injuries. Others rushed to windows and the rooftop seeking any available escape route.
Rescue and Relief Operations
Multiple teams from the fire brigade, police, and district administration were rushed to the site. Senior officials including the District Magistrate and Police Commissioner were present, overseeing rescue and relief efforts. Firefighters attempted to breach the building's walls to reach those trapped inside, while local residents assisted in evacuating people through the rooftop of an adjacent building.
A team of specialist doctors along with six ambulances was deployed at the site, and several injured persons were admitted to multiple hospitals across the city, according to officials.
What the Government Said
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, in a post on X, described the incident as 'extremely distressing' and confirmed that necessary instructions had been issued to officials for treatment of the injured and 'every possible assistance.' He added that he was personally heading to the site.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was on an official visit to Aligarh, cut short his programme and returned to Lucknow. In a post on X, he said: 'The loss of lives in the fire accident in Lucknow is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed souls attain peace and the injured recover swiftly.'
Cause and Investigation
The cause of the fire had not been ascertained at the time of reporting, officials said. The incident has reignited concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial buildings and coaching centres operating out of multi-storey structures — a recurring issue in several Indian cities. This comes amid growing scrutiny of safety standards at privately run coaching institutes following a series of fire-related tragedies in recent years.
What Happens Next
Rescue teams were continuing efforts to confirm whether anyone remained trapped inside the building. Authorities are expected to order a probe into the fire's origin and the building's safety certifications. The final death toll and the full extent of injuries were yet to be confirmed as operations remained ongoing.
Point of View
With inadequate fire exits, no sprinkler systems, and lax enforcement of safety norms. The fact that students as young as 20 had to jump from rooftops to survive points not just to a building failure but to a systemic regulatory one. UP's administration will face hard questions about whether the coaching centre held valid fire safety clearances — and whether inspections were ever carried out. High-profile condolences and ministerial site visits are the predictable political response; what is less predictable, and far more consequential, is whether this incident finally triggers enforceable safety audits of the thousands of similar coaching centres operating across Uttar Pradesh.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were killed in the Lucknow coaching centre fire?
At least 14 people were killed in the fire that broke out at a coaching centre in the Purania area of Aliganj, Lucknow, on 22 June. The deceased were reportedly between 20 and 24 years of age, and the toll was feared to rise as rescue operations continued.
Where exactly did the Lucknow fire break out?
The fire broke out in a three-storey building in the Purania area (Sector D) of Aliganj, Lucknow, which housed a coaching centre. The blaze rapidly filled the building with thick smoke, trapping students inside.
What was CM Yogi Adityanath's response to the Lucknow fire?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his official visit to Aligarh and returned to Lucknow. He posted condolences on X, calling the loss of lives 'extremely tragic and heart-rending' and praying for the recovery of the injured.
What caused the Lucknow coaching centre fire?
The cause of the fire had not been ascertained at the time of reporting, according to officials. An investigation is expected to be ordered into the fire's origin and the building's fire safety compliance.
Who is affected by the Lucknow coaching centre fire?
The primary victims are students enrolled at the coaching centre, most aged between 20 and 24. Several were injured — some critically after jumping from upper floors — and were admitted to hospitals across Lucknow. Families of the deceased and injured are among those most directly affected.
