A devastating fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow, northern India, killed at least eight people on Monday, according to local authorities. However, several Indian media outlets reported a higher death toll, saying that up to 14 people may have lost their lives, most of them students attending classes at the centre.
The fire broke out in the Aliganj area of Lucknow, the capital of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which is India’s most populous state. Emergency services rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations as flames quickly spread through the building.
Television footage showed dramatic scenes as people attempted to escape the burning structure. In one incident captured on camera, a person jumped from the first floor of the building while it was engulfed in flames. A group of men standing below rushed forward in an effort to catch and rescue the individual.
Rescue teams continued search operations while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire, and an investigation has been launched to determine how the incident occurred.
The tragedy has raised fresh concerns about fire safety measures in educational institutions and coaching centres across the country.
