A massive fire swept through a slum cluster in Vikas Nagar area of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, killing two children and leaving hundreds homeless, police said on Thursday.
According to reports, locals stated that several LPG cylinders exploded during the fire that destroyed over 200 shanties in Vikas Nagar.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Deeksha Sharma said that the bodies of two children, both around two years old, were recovered late on Wednesday, hours after the fire broke out, reported the PTI.
The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and their families have been informed. The process of identification is currently underway.
Fire engulfs hundreds of shanties
The blaze started on Wednesday evening in a slum cluster near Ring Road in Vikas Nagar. It spread rapidly, gutting nearly 200 shanties and destroying residents’ belongings.
Most of those affected are domestic workers and daily wage earners, many of whom have now been left without shelter.
Fire tenders were rushed to the scene soon after the incident was reported. Teams from the police, fire department, SDRF and NDRF carried out rescue and relief operations, which continued late into the night.
The officials said that extensive efforts were made to control the fire and assist affected residents.
Leaders express concern
Union Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concern over the incident and called for immediate relief measures as well as a thorough investigation.
The defence minister, who represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha constituency, spoke to the district magistrate (DM) to take stock of the situation.
According to BJP Lucknow City president Anand Dwivedi, Singh expressed concern over the incident and directed the local administration to accelerate rescue and relief operations.
“The defence minister has instructed that every possible assistance be provided to the affected families and ensured that those injured receive proper medical treatment,” Dwivedi said, as per the PTI.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took to X to demand an immediate support package for the victims. He urged the state government to provide food, water and alternative housing for the displaced slum dwellers.
“The government should immediately provide food, water and treatment for the injured. Alternative arrangements for shelter must be made,” Yadav posted.
Officials have said that the exact cause of the fire is still unknown and will be determined after a detailed inquiry.
(with PTI inputs)