Lucknow slum fire aftermath: Two sisters charred to death, 300 homes turn to ash

Director General (DG), UP Fires Services, Sujeet Pandey, who was at the spot on Wednesday evening, told The Indian Express that 20 fire tenders, along with over 120 fire brigade personnel, had rushed to the spot promptly to douse the inferno.

Another official said they were surprised to see dozens of full LPG cylinders in the slum, which compounded fire-fighting efforts as they exploded one by one. (Express Photo by Vishal Srivastav)

“The fire fighting teams covered the area from all sides, following which we were able to prevent the flames spreading to the adjoining locality… else it would have caused havoc,” Pandey said.

Another official said they were surprised to see dozens of full LPG cylinders in the slum, which compounded fire-fighting efforts as they exploded one by one. Teams faced much difficulty entering the affected area following the cylinder explosions.

District Magistrate, Lucknow, Vishakh G told The Indian Express, “So far, the exact reason behind the fire is not known as the fire safety audit is still on. The revenue team of the administration has found a total of 275 families have been affected, whose hutments and the belongings were gutted. We will assess the loss and decide the financial assistance accordingly.”

“The family which lost their two children in the tragedy will be given Rs 8 lakh-Rs 4 lakh,” the DM added.

Asked about the rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected families, the DM said further course of action would be taken after the assessment of the loss and compensation to the affected families.  It is a government land where these families had been living for about 10 years, he said.

What transpired

The fire had started in a small area in the evening before it quickly spread to nearby shanties due to the closely packed structures. Panic gripped the locality as residents rushed to safer places while also trying to save their belongings.

Thick plumes of black smoke were visible from several kilometres away. Several small-intensity cylinder blasts were also heard during the fire, adding to the chaos.

Teams from the police and fire department rushed to the spot, and several fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the blaze under control. Police personnel also worked to ensure that residents were safely evacuated from the area.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lucknow, Amol Murkut, said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Police said preliminary accounts suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical spark or a cylinder blast.

Several family members got separated during the chaos, and police along with the administration were making efforts to reunite them.

Most of the residents in the area — Tedhi Pulia — are shop workers and street vendors. The affected area is located close to hotels and several automobile showrooms.

The fire had started in a small area in the evening before it quickly spread to nearby shanties due to the closely packed structures. Vishal Srivastav

Rajnath Singh directs relief efforts

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concern over the fire, calling for immediate relief and a thorough investigation.

Singh, who represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha constituency, spoke to the District Magistrate (DM) to take stock of the situation. DM Vishakh G briefed Singh on the ground situation, assuring him that the administration is working with “full sensitivity” to restore normalcy.

Directions were also issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to expedite relief and rehabilitation measures. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited the affected area and interacted with residents and officials concerned.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav took to X to demand an immediate support package for the victims. He urged the state government to provide food, water and alternative housing for the displaced slum dwellers.

Raising concerns over missing persons and the cause of the blaze, the former chief minister also called for a high-level inquiry.