Tharoor Mourns Lucknow Fire Victims, Calls for Stricter Safety Measures
Congress leader expresses grief over loss of lives, stresses stronger enforcement of building and fire safety regulations
JAMMU, Jun 23: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the devastating fire incident in Lucknow and urged authorities to ensure rigorous implementation of safety norms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu before departing for Srinagar as part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs’ four-day study tour of Jammu and Kashmir, Tharoor conveyed his condolences to the families affected by the incident.
The fire broke out on Monday in a three storey commercial complex in the Aliganj area of Lucknow. The building housed an animation training centre and other establishments. According to officials, at least 15 people, most of them students, lost their lives while nine others sustained injuries in the blaze.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Tharoor said such tragedies highlight the critical importance of adhering to fire safety standards and building regulations. He emphasized that safety mechanisms must be regularly reviewed and enforced to safeguard lives in educational institutions, commercial establishments and other public spaces.
The Congress leader noted that authorities should thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and identify any lapses that may have contributed to the loss of life. He stressed that accountability and preventive measures are essential to reducing the risk of similar incidents.
Emergency response teams and firefighters carried out rescue operations for several hours to contain the blaze and evacuate those trapped inside the structure. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The incident has sparked concerns over compliance with fire safety requirements in commercial buildings, with calls growing for stricter inspections and monitoring of public facilities.
Tharoor extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the tragedy, while reiterating the need for stronger safety enforcement across the country.
