18 dead in fire at Lucknow coaching centre; students jump from building to escape

June 22, 2026

A major fire broke out at a coaching-cum-gaming institute in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, triggering panic among students and staff. As thick smoke engulfed the building, several students were seen jumping from the structure in a desperate attempt to save their lives. Videos of the incident quickly surfaced on social media, showing chaotic scenes as people tried to escape the flames.

The blaze prompted a large-scale rescue operation involving firefighters, police personnel, and emergency response teams. Authorities rushed to the spot after receiving information about the fire and immediately began evacuation efforts.

Students Leap from Building Amid Chaos

Eyewitnesses said dense smoke spread rapidly through the building, leaving many students trapped on upper floors. In the absence of a clear escape route, some students reportedly jumped from windows and balconies to avoid being caught in the flames.

Local residents and rescue personnel helped those who jumped, while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. Videos from the scene showed frightened students climbing down ledges and attempting to reach safety as crowds gathered below.

Casualties and Injuries Reported

According to initial reports, at least four people are feared dead in the incident, while several others sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims, and the exact number of people affected is still being verified.

Rescue teams continued search operations inside the building to ensure that no one remained trapped. Emergency services remained on the spot for several hours as firefighters battled the flames and cleared smoke-filled sections of the structure.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. While the exact reason remains unknown, officials are examining whether the building complied with mandatory fire safety norms. The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards in coaching institutes and commercial establishments operating in congested urban areas.

A 2025 audit by the fire department had highlighted that several coaching institutes in Lucknow were operating without adequate fire safety arrangements, including insufficient emergency exits and evacuation facilities.

Renewed Focus on Fire Safety

The Aliganj tragedy has reignited discussions about fire preparedness in educational institutions. Experts have long warned that buildings with limited exits and overcrowded classrooms can turn into death traps during emergencies. Similar incidents in the past have underscored the need for strict enforcement of fire safety regulations and regular inspections.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to examine whether negligence or violations of safety norms contributed to the incident. Meanwhile, the viral videos of students jumping from the building have shocked residents and highlighted the urgency of improving safety measures across educational facilities.