India: 2 dead, 10 injured in Lucknow hotel fire

On Monday, as many as two people died and 10 others were injured, after a major fire broke out at the Levana hotel in the Hazratganj area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, said Manoj Agarwal, CMO Lucknow.

"The incident of fire in a hotel was reported this morning, after which the rescue operation is on. A fire incident took place in Levana Hotel in Hazratganj this morning, after which patients are being admitted to the hospital. So far 10 people have been admitted to the Civil Hospital, out of which 2 people are brought dead," Agarwal said.

However, rescue and relief operations are underway at the hotel, as several people are feared to be still trapped.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took note of the fire and directed officials to provide treatment to the injured.

"The Chief Minister has directed the officials of the district administration to provide proper treatment to the injured. Along with this, the District Magistrate and senior police officers have been instructed to reach the spot immediately and speed up the relief and rescue work," read a statement by the Chief Minister's Office.

With an aim to douse the fire at the earliest, all gas cylinders and other flammable items are being taken out from the hotel.

Police and firefighters are constantly engaged in rescue operations.

"Cause [of the fire] is being ascertained. There's a possibility that it happened due to a short circuit. 18 of the total 30 rooms were occupied & probably 35-40 people were there. The people who were stuck were evacuated and they have been sent to Civil Hospital," said District Magistrate, Suryapal Gangwar.

"Rooms are filled with smoke making it difficult to go in. Work is underway to break window panes and grills. No info on any casualties so far, 2 people have been rescued, but there is no response from 1-2 rooms. Attempts are being made to enter those rooms," said DG Fire, Avinash Chandra.

Three ambulance vehicles arrived at the scene, along with an SDRF team, security personnel and firefighters , who were seen entering the hotel with oxygen masks.

The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took note of the incident.

"I came to know about the tragic incident of fire in a hotel in Lucknow. I have inquired about the situation from the local administration. Relief and rescue operations are on. My office is in constant touch with the local administration. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident," tweeted Singh.

ALSO READ:

• India: Massive fire breaks out at private hospital in Jabalpur, 9 to 10 feared dead

• UAE: Fire breaks out in Abu Dhabi warehouse

• India