Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
A massive fire broke out inside SSJ International Hotel in Lucknow’s Charbagh area during the early hours of 19 June, killing at least five people. Rescue operations have been underway since the morning and at least 50 people have been evacuated.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the families of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured.
The cause of fire is yet to be ascertained, though the Police estimate that the fire started from the basement of the SSJ International Hotel, and eventually also spread to the neighbouring Virat International Hotel.
Around 50 people have been evacuated. Unfortunately, four people have been confirmed dead. Prima facie it seems that the fire started from the basement. The cause will be known only after the investigation is over. If there are lapses at any level, there will be a thorough inquiry into that.Sujeet Pandey, IG, Lucknow
UP Cabinet Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi too reached the site of the incident.
This is a very sad incident. We will set up an inquiry immediately and figure out the cause of the fire within a week. My first concern is to make sure that those admitted to the hospital receive good treatment.Rita Bahuguna Joshi, UP Cabinet Minister
Both the hotels almost had full occupancy.
The flames were increasing as we tried to go downstairs. Luckily someone told us to rush to the roof from where we jumped onto the roof of building behind the hotel and managed to escape.Anand Roy, Survivor
(With inputs from ANI)
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