At least 15 dead in massive fire at a building in India, shocking footage of people jumping from windows

A massive fire in a commercial building in the city of Lucknow, in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, has claimed the lives of at least 15 people.

According to information from the authorities, the flames broke out in the early hours of the morning in a building that housed a pet shop and a veterinary clinic on the lower floors, while a student center and an animation studio operated in the upper part of the building.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that at least 15 victims have been recovered from the building, while around 10 other people were rescued and taken to hospital to receive medical treatment.

Footage shared on social media shows scenes of panic, as some people tried to escape by climbing out of shattered windows. One person fell from an upper floor while trying to save himself, but according to reports he survived and is in hospital receiving treatment.

The rescue operation was significantly hampered by thick smoke, forcing firefighters to break through a rear wall to enter the building and continue the intervention.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, while authorities have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances of this tragic incident.