At least 14 people died and four others were injured in a fire that broke out Tuesday at a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. The building, located in a residential area, housed a library, a coaching center for college students, and a computer graphics section. The fire reportedly originated on the middle floor before rapidly spreading to other levels.

State Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak told reporters that the victims included children, many of whom were students. Witnesses described scenes of panic as several students jumped from the upper floors to escape the flames. Television footage showed intense fire engulfing the front facade of the structure while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. However, officials note that building fires are a frequent hazard in India due to inadequate firefighting equipment and widespread lapses in safety compliance. Electrical short circuits, often resulting from poorly maintained wiring, are identified as the most common cause of such incidents.

Pathak vowed that authorities would take strict action against any parties found responsible for the tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and announced compensation of approximately $2,100 for each affected family through a social media message.

This incident follows a series of deadly fires in India in recent months. Just two weeks ago, a hotel fire in New Delhi resulted in 21 deaths. In March, a fire at a government hospital in eastern India killed 10 critically ill patients. Additionally, a factory fire in Delhi’s old quarter in 2019 claimed 43 lives.

Investigations are ongoing as officials work to establish the exact cause of the Lucknow fire and evaluate safety standards to prevent future occurrences.