2 Children Die in Lucknow’s Vikas Nagar Fire, Over 50 Shanties Reduced to Ashes; Several Cattle Also Injured

Lucknow: A massive fire suddenly broke out around 5:30 PM on Wednesday evening in the shanty clusters located within the Vikas Nagar police station area of ​​Lucknow. Two innocent children met a tragic, fiery death in this incident—a fact confirmed by DCP (East) Diksha Sharma. The blaze was so ferocious that more than 10 gas cylinders exploded in rapid succession, reducing over 50 shanties to ashes. Over 20 fire tenders rushed to the scene and, after hours of arduous effort, finally brought the fire under control. As a precautionary measure, the administration evacuated 10 nearby houses and cut off the electricity supply to the area.

Area Rocked by Cylinder Explosions
The flames from the Vikas Nagar fire were visible from a distance of nearly 5 kilometers. According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread so rapidly that residents did not even have the opportunity to salvage their belongings. The chain of gas cylinder explosions that followed one another spread panic throughout the entire locality. The homes of over 50 families have been destroyed, leaving them homeless and exposed to the elements. Some locals have termed the entire incident suspicious and have demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter.

Rajnath Singh and CM Yogi Issue Directives
Expressing deep concern over this tragedy, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with the District Magistrate and directed that every possible assistance be extended to the affected families. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also issued instructions to officials to immediately expedite relief operations. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak personally visited the scene to review the ongoing rescue operations. Assuring proper medical treatment for the injured, he has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. The government has pledged its full support and solidarity with the victimized families.

Rescue and Relief Operations for Stranded Animals
Several cattle and livestock also sustained burn injuries after being caught in the raging fire. According to the Animal Welfare Officer, injured stray animals are being sent to the Municipal Corporation’s cowshed. So far, two cows are undergoing treatment, and six have been safely rescued. DG Fire Sujeet Pandey stated that fire tenders were summoned from various stations, including BKT and Indira Nagar. Currently, the work of sifting through the debris is underway to ensure that no one else remains trapped inside.