Deadly Fire in Northern India Claims Children’s Lives

Updated: 7:01 PM PKT — June 23, 2026

The death toll from a fire in a commercial building in Lucknow, the capital of India’s Uttar Pradesh state, has been confirmed at 14 children, with four others injured, the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said on Monday. It was not immediately clear if all the deceased were students.

The fire broke out on the middle floor of a three-storey building that housed a library, a coaching centre, and a computer graphics section, before spreading to other levels. Witnesses reported that multiple students jumped from the upper floor to escape the flames.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office stated he was “anguished by the loss of lives” and announced relief of over $2,100 for each victim’s family. Deputy Chief Minister Pathak said that “stern action will be taken against those found responsible.” The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Updated: 5:39 PM PKT — June 23, 2026

A fire at an animation training centre in the Aliganj area of Lucknow, India, on Monday has resulted in at least eight deaths, according to authorities. However, local media reports have placed the death toll as high as 14, stating that most of the victims were students.

The three-storey building also housed a library and a coaching centre. Witnesses reported that multiple students jumped from the upper level of the building to escape the flames. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described the incident as “major” and “very saddening,” promising that “stern action will be taken against those found responsible.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office expressed anguish over the loss of lives and announced relief funds of over $2,100 for the family of each victim.