Two hotels in Lucknow gutted in massive fire; 5 dead, over 50 rescued

Lucknow: At least five people died after a massive fire broke out at a popular hotel in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow in the wee hours of Tuesday. 

The fire was reported at the basement of Hotel Virat International located in the Charbagh locality in Lucknow. The fire quickly spread to other areas and engulfed another hotel adjacent to it - SSJ International hotel.

A woman and a child are among those killed in the blaze. The authorities fear more people may have been trapped inside the two fire-struck buildings.

More than 50 people have been rescued and rushed to the nearby hospital for treatment. 

Lucknow: Fire broke out in Charbagh's SSJ International hotel, in the early morning hours; More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/o3uebFPnFg

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 19, 2018

Several fire brigade teams were pressed into service to douse the fire.

#UPDATE: Fire broke out in Charbagh's SSJ International hotel, in the early morning hours. Police says, 'Search operation on the first floor is underway. 5 people have been taken to hospital for treatment. Cause of fire yet to be ascertained. Investigation is underway'. pic.twitter.com/f2Z8AKDyMY — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 19, 2018

The authorities also conducted a massive search operation with the help of the fire brigade teams to ensure that no one is trapped inside the two hotels. 

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but preliminary reports suggest that it could have been due to a short circuit in the electrical system.

Giving more information about the incident, S Pandey, IG Lucknow, earlier told reporters that at least 4 people have died and more than 50 people have been rescued from the building.

''What caused the fire is yet to be ascertained. If we find any lapse on hotel's part during our investigation, we will take strict action against the people concerned,'' Pandey said. 

4 people have died & more than 50 people were rescued from the building. Cause of fire still to be ascertained. If we find any lapse on hotel's part during our investigation, we will take strict action against the people concerned: S Pandey, IG Lucknow on Charbagh fire incident pic.twitter.com/R6UoP7jUCx — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 19, 2018

There is a resentment among the locals over late arrival of fire brigade teams, which, they alleged, led to the tragic deaths of five people.

An investigation has been launched and the authorities are trying to determine whether the fire-fighting measures were put in place.

The two hotels have been completely gutted due to the fire, which has now been contained. It took the firemen more than two hours to douse the raging flames during which the two buildings were completely damaged.

There is no official confirmation from both hotels about the number of people checked-in at the time of the fire.

(With ANI inputs)