Yogi Adityanath visits Lucknow building fire site, vows strict action against guilty

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspected the Lucknow building fire site, which killed 15 people, and met the injured at KGMU. He promised strict action, announced compensation for families and the best treatment for survivors.

In Short

• Yogi Adityanath meets injured at hospital, assures strict action against culprits
• He announces aid of Rs 5 lakh for victims' families, Rs 50,000 for injured
• He cuts short his Aligarh visit to return after receiving news of fire

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday evening visited the site of the Aliganj fire tragedy in Lucknow, which killed 15 people, and inspected the three-storey commercial building. He also later met injured people at King George's Medical University, assuring strict action against those found responsible.

He also announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who died in the fire and Rs 50,000 each for the injured. Earlier in the day, he cut short his visit to Aligarh and returned to Lucknow after receiving information about the incident.

According to an official statement, the chief minister reached the spot at 6:15 pm and reviewed the situation at the building where a fire had broken out earlier in the day, claiming several lives. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad and senior police officials accompanied him during the inspection.

Adityanath visited the upper floors of the building and reviewed the rescue and relief operations. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Lucknow District Magistrate Vishakh G were also present at the site, the statement said. He also interacted with some eyewitnesses there and sought details about the incident.

After inspecting the spot, the Chief Minister went to KGMU, around five kilometres away, where he met five injured persons undergoing treatment and enquired about their condition. He directed hospital authorities and officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the victims.

The statement said he also met the families of the victims at KGMU and assured them that no official found responsible for the incident would be spared. "Every person responsible will face strict action," the Chief Minister told the affected families.

During his visit to KGMU, Adityanath also spoke to an injured woman who was on oxygen support. The woman, a resident of Aliganj, told him that she worked in the same building. Doctors informed the Chief Minister that she had suffered a fractured leg.

Addressing a programme in Aligarh earlier, Adityanath said he had to return immediately after learning about the fire tragedy. "My heartfelt desire was to stay in Aligarh today, but I have to say with sadness that I have just received information that a tragic fire incident has taken place in Lucknow. Some children have been caught in it and have lost their lives. Therefore, I have to return immediately," he said.

He also directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to reach the spot and submit a report. "I myself am also leaving for there so that we can go into the details of the entire matter, punish those responsible and also express our condolences to the affected families," he said.

The fire broke out in the Aliganj commercial building on Monday afternoon, leading to a major rescue and firefighting operation. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister was in Firozabad, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 658 crore.

- Ends