At least 14 people, mostly students, were killed after a fire broke out at a commercial building in Lucknow, the capital of India’s northern Uttar Pradesh state, officials said on Monday.
The blaze erupted in the Aliganj area of the city at a building that housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic on the lower floors, while a study centre and an animation studio operated on the upper floors.
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Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said 14 bodies had been recovered from the site. Officials said at least 10 people were rescued and admitted to hospitals for treatment.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
Videos shared on social media showed people escaping through broken windows. One video appeared to show a man falling from an upper floor while attempting to flee the flames. Local media reported that he survived and was receiving treatment at a hospital.
Officials said firefighters had to break through the rear wall of the building to enter as heavy smoke obstructed rescue efforts. Exhaust fans were used to clear the smoke while emergency teams searched rooms and washrooms for possible survivors.
Mohammad Asin, an employee of the animation studio, said workers had just returned from lunch when they noticed the fire.
“At first we thought it was a small fire. By the time we tried to leave, smoke had filled the rooms and passageways,” he said.