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Lucknow hotel fire: Several feared trapped, deputy CM at spot; probe ordered
Lucknow hotel blaze: The property has been sealed and the entire area cordoned off. Witnesses said several guests tried leaving the hotel by breaking their room windows, while many were seen rushing out to with their bags in hand.
A fire broke out at Levana Suites Hotel in the posh Madan Mohan Malviya Marg in Hazratganj, Lucknow, on Monday, claiming at least four lives. Twenty people have been rescued so far. About five or six people are still reportedly trapped inside the three-storied building. Among those rescued, two are stated to be in critical condition. Three fire tenders have been pressed into action.
According to reports, one family is still suspected to be trapped in a hotel room on the second floor. A fire service official said a short circuit on the second floor is the primary reason behind the fire incident.
The four were identified as Gurunoor Anand, Sahiba Kaur, Mohd Aman Gazi and Shravika Singh – all of them from Lucknow.
Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the spot, said a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the blaze, adding a primary report is likely to be out soon. Pathak met patients rescued from the hotel at the Civil Hospital.
Pathak asked the officials to submit a thorough report on the fire and said the guilty will be held accountable.
Those rescued with severe injuries have been taken to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Hospital. "We are looking after them and more people are expected to come here. We are prepared, said Dr Anand Ojha, director of the hospital.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath met the injured at the hospital and directed the district administration to ensure proper medical treatment of the injured and asked them to reach the spot and expedite the rescue operation.
Rajnath Singh, Union minister and Member of Parliament (MP) from Lucknow said his office is in touch with the local administration over the blaze.
"My office is in touch with local administration. I too have collected details. Relief and rescue efforts are underway. I pray for speedy recovery of injured," he wrote on Twitter.
The entire area has been cordoned off. Witnesses said several guests tried leaving the hotel by breaking their room windows, while many were seen rushing out to with their bags in hand.
(With bureau inputs)
