Lucknow, June 23: An eyewitness, Mala Nigam, has recounted the terrifying fire incident at a coaching center in Aliganj, Lucknow. She stated that the flames spread so rapidly that escaping became nearly impossible for those inside.
Mala Nigam explained, “There was nothing we could do to save ourselves as the fire spread so quickly. There was only one entrance to the building, making it impossible to get in or out.” Preliminary investigations suggest that an explosion in the air conditioning compressor triggered the blaze, which engulfed the entire structure.
She noted that a pet shop was located on the ground floor, housing dogs, cats, and other animals. As the fire broke out, people rushed to rescue the animals, attempting to pull cages outside. However, only a few individuals from the upper floors managed to escape, while two or three children jumped from the building in a desperate attempt to save themselves, resulting in injuries.
According to Mala Nigam, the pet shop was on the ground floor, with a warehouse above it, and the coaching center or library on the upper levels where children were studying. She mentioned that the building’s door was secured with a thumb lock system, which the children could not open in time. Additionally, the rooftop door was locked with a shutter, preventing access to the roof.
The locked rooftop door left the children with no options for escape. Many were seen hugging each other and calling for help. Some, gripped by fear, hid in the restroom, but the smoke and gases from the fire and AC explosion worsened the situation, rapidly depleting the oxygen levels.
Mala Nigam described the flames as so fierce that approaching them was impossible. As a social worker, she took immediate action by sharing videos and information via WhatsApp groups to expedite assistance.
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