The front portion of Hotel Viraat International in Lucknow, badly damaged in fire
Highlights
- Fire broke out at Hotel Viraat International near Lucknow railway station
- More than 50 people were rescued from the building: police
- Around 35 to 40 people were staying at the hotel when the fire broke out
Five people including a child have died in a major fire at a popular hotel in Lucknow early on Tuesday morning. The fire spread to several floors of Hotel Viraat International located near the Lucknow railway station. Five others have been injured and are currently being treated at the hospital.
"More than 50 people were rescued from the building. Cause of fire still not known. If we find any lapse on hotel's part during our investigation, we will take strict action against the people concerned," said senior police officer Sujit Pandey.
The fire department received a call just after 6 am. It took the fire fighters about two hours to control the blaze.
Around 35 to 40 people were staying at the hotel when the fire broke out said the police, adding that most of the guests were safely evacuated on time. All the rooms have been checked thoroughly, fire department officials have told NDTV.
Preliminary inquiry indicates short circuit may have caused the fire and though the front of the hotel is badly burnt, the rooms were not affected. The fire seems to have started in the adjacent SSJ International hotel and then spread next door said the firefighters.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed his condolences and asked his officers to provide assistance to all affected in the hotel fire. The Chief Minister has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for families of those who have died and Rs 50, 000 for the injured.
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