Watch | Massive Fire Erupts at Lucknow Coaching Centre, Rescue Ops Underway

A massive fire broke out at a building housing a coaching centre in the Aliganj area of Lucknow on Monday.

Firefighting and rescue operations are currently underway as several people are feared trapped inside.

"It is being said that 10-12 people are trapped inside. We have not been able to enter inside the building, as the fire is massive," a fire official told ANI.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took cognisance of the fire incident. The Chief Minister directed senior officials to immediately reach the site and oversee the situation.

According to an official statement released by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Adityanath has ordered the acceleration of relief and rescue operations to ensure the safety of those trapped.

He further directed the administration to ensure that proper medical treatment is provided to all those injured in the incident.

What instructions did the UP government issue after the Lucknow coaching centre fire?

"Instructions were issued to the administration to exercise vigilance at all levels. The Chief Minister also directed that relief operations be continuously monitored and issued instructions for the proper treatment of the injured," the CMO stated.

Speaking to ANI on the status of the operation, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said, "We have learned that there is currently no one on the top floor. Fire brigade personnel have broken through a wall on the first floor to gain entry. There is heavy smoke, and a room-by-room search operation is underway."

Emphasising the priority of the state government, Pathak added, "Our priority is to ensure the safe evacuation of all the children; the administration and medical teams have all been placed on high alert.

Detailing the rescue operations, Pathak said that "alternative routes have been created."

How did poor visibility impact rescue efforts in the Lucknow coaching centre fire?

"There is a lot of smoke, so visibility is poor. Additional exhaust fans have been installed. A wall has been broken down, and alternative routes have been created. There is no exact figure yet. All the children have been evacuated," Pathak told reporters.

According to an eyewitness Aman, the fire broke out in a building that reportedly houses a library and a computer training institute.

While local residents managed to rescue several individuals, one person was seriously injured after jumping from the building to escape the flames.

Speaking to ANI, Aman said, "There is a library or a computer course institution here. When we reached the spot, we saw thick smoke billowing from the building. We managed to save 5-6 people. After the fire broke out, a man jumped from the building in panic and was seriously injured. There are still some people trapped inside."

Firefighters are currently working to douse the flames and evacuate those still stuck inside the premises.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

(With inputs from ANI)