India Fire Tragedy: 14 Children Killed in Lucknow Coaching Centre Blaze

At least 14 children have been killed after a fire engulfed a building housing a coaching centre and library in Lucknow, the capital of northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state.

Officials said the fire started on the middle floor of the three-storey commercial building located in a residential area before rapidly spreading to other levels.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed the deaths, saying the victims were children from “happy families,” while four other people were injured in the incident.

It was not immediately confirmed whether all the deceased were students.

Witnesses told AFP that several students jumped from upper floors in a desperate attempt to escape the flames as smoke and fire engulfed the structure.

Television footage showed flames erupting from the building’s facade as firefighters struggled to bring the blaze under control.

The building reportedly housed a coaching centre for college students, a library, and a computer graphics facility.

Authorities said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, while promising action against those found responsible.

Building fires remain a recurring issue in India, often linked to poor safety compliance, inadequate firefighting infrastructure, and electrical faults.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the tragedy and announced financial relief for affected families.

The incident comes amid a series of recent fire disasters in the country, raising renewed concerns over building safety standards and enforcement.

AFP