'I saw 14 bodies with my own eyes': UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak breaks down while speaking about Lucknow fire tragedy

Lucknow: A massive and tragic fire at a coaching institute in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has shaken the entire nation. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak became deeply emotional while expressing his condolences for the victims of this horrific tragedy and the innocent lives lost. While speaking to the media, the Deputy CM was overcome with emotion at the mention of the tragic incident and broke down in tears right in front of the camera.

What did Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak say?

The Deputy CM stated that at the time of the incident, the facility was operating as an animation center where children aged 15, 16, and 17 used to come during summer vacations to learn animation and cartoon making.
Precise details regarding how the fire suddenly broke out are not yet available; however, as soon as the fire started, the children ran towards the rear of the building to save themselves. There was a significant amount of wooden furniture inside the center. The burning wood generated such dense and toxic smoke that the children were overcome by it and could not escape through the billowing fumes.

How many casualties?

The exact number of children present inside the center at the time of the accident is not yet clear. However, the bodies of 15 children have been recovered so far in this horrific tragedy, with 14 bodies having been visually confirmed. Additionally, children who suffered burns and injuries in the incident have been immediately sent to the KGMC Trauma Center for treatment.

**NDRF and Fire Brigade search operation amidst smoke from furniture**
The administration swung into action immediately after receiving news of the fire. While no children remain at the scene, the interior is still filled with thick smoke. Visibility inside is extremely poor due to the smoke caused by the burning wooden furniture. Despite the challenges, fire brigade and NDRF personnel remain steadfast at the scene. Relief workers are methodically clearing debris and materials, searching every room of the center to ensure the situation is fully assessed.

**Principal Secretary (Home) and DGP at the site**
Deputy CM Pathak stated that the government has taken stringent measures following this extremely serious accident. Given the gravity of the incident, the Principal Secretary (Home) and the DGP were immediately summoned to the site. The administration has issued strict directives for a high-level inquiry into the entire incident.

Officials have been clearly instructed to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident and to ensure that such negligence does not recur in the future; furthermore, the strictest possible legal action is to be taken against those found responsible.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is cancelling all his scheduled engagements in Aligarh and is on his way to the accident site. Our priority is to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured. The details regarding how and why the incident occurred will only be known once the investigation report is received.