Two Kanpur Friends Die in Lucknow Fire Tragedy
Two friends from Kanpur, identified as Ravi and Sumit, lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out in a commercial building in Lucknow on Wednesday. The incident occurred in the Hazratganj area, where a major fire engulfed a multi-story building, leading to multiple casualties. According to officials, the fire started due to an electrical short circuit on the ground floor and quickly spread to upper floors, trapping several people inside.
Mother Uninformed for Hours
The mother of one of the victims, Ravi, was not informed about her son's death for several hours after the tragedy. Family members and friends struggled to reach her as she was in a remote village in Kanpur with limited phone connectivity. According to local sources, the family eventually received news through a friend who had been trying to contact them. The delay in informing the mother added to the anguish of the grieving family.
Funeral Delayed Amid Confusion
The funeral of the two friends was delayed due to confusion over identification and legal procedures. The bodies were initially taken to the hospital for post-mortem, and authorities had to wait for family members to arrive from Kanpur. The funeral finally took place late in the evening, hours after the tragedy. According to a police spokesperson, the delay was necessary to complete formalities and ensure proper handover of the bodies to the families.
Details of the Fire Tragedy
The fire in Lucknow's Hazratganj area claimed at least 10 lives and injured several others. Rescue operations were conducted by the fire department and local police, with teams working for hours to extinguish the flames. The building housed several offices and shops, and many people were trapped when the fire broke out. According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread rapidly due to flammable materials stored in the building.
Grief and Outrage in Kanpur
The news of the deaths has sparked grief and outrage in Kanpur, with friends and family demanding better safety measures in commercial buildings. Local leaders have expressed condolences and called for an investigation into the incident. According to a friend of the victims, both Ravi and Sumit were hardworking individuals who had gone to Lucknow for work. The tragedy has left their families devastated.
Official Response and Investigation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. An investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the fire and to identify any lapses in safety protocols. According to officials, the building owner has been booked for negligence, and further action will be taken based on the investigation report.
