CM Adityanath condoles deaths in Lucknow fire, announces Rs 5 lakh ex gratia
Lucknow, June 22
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday condoled the loss of lives in a fire at coaching centre in Lucknow and met the injured in a hospital. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the family members of those killed.
Chief Minister Adityanath, in a social media message 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."
In a message on X, the Chief Minister's Office said, "@myogiadityanathji has expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in the fire accident that occurred in Lucknow and extended his condolences to the bereaved families."
"Chief Minister ji has issued directives to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident, Rs 50,000 to the injured persons, and to ensure proper treatment for the injured," it said.
At least 14 persons were killed in the fire that broke out in a three-storey building in the Purania area of Aliganj on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said. All the deceased were aged between 20 and 24.
The blaze erupted in a coaching centre operating in the building, quickly filling the premises with thick smoke and triggering panic among students and others present.
In a desperate attempt to escape, some individuals jumped from the upper floors and the terrace, sustaining serious injuries.
Eyewitnesses said smoke was first seen billowing out of the building in the afternoon, and within a short span, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed the structure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident and announced ex gratia for the victims.
"Anguished by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest," he said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance for the victims' families. "Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs 50,000," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My heart goes out to the families. Losing a child at 20-24, just starting their life journey. In India, we often see coaching centres operating in unsafe buildings. This is a wake-up call for all state governments to strictly enforce safety norms in such establishments.
CM Yogi ji's quick response is commendable - visiting the hospital and announcing compensation. But mamla yeh hai ki prevention is better than cure. Such incidents keep happening in UP - Noida, Lucknow, Agra. Need a comprehensive fire safety audit of all coaching centres across the state. 🙏
Rs 5 lakh ex gratia from state and Rs 2 lakh from PM fund - total Rs 7 lakh per family. For a life that was going to earn crores over a career, this feels like peanuts. But more than compensation, we need accountability. Did the building have fire exits? Was there any fire drill? These questions must be answered.
So heartbreaking to see young students losing their lives in such a tragic way. In India, we put so much pressure on kids to study and go to coaching centres, but often ignore basic safety. Hope the authorities take strict action against the coaching centre management and building owner. My deepest condolences to all families.
As a mother of two young adults, I can only imagine the pain these families are going through. 😢 However, I must say, the compensation announcement is just a band-aid solution. The real issue is rampant commercialisation of education sector without proper safety compliance. Also, why was a coaching centre allowed to operate in a residential area like Purania?
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