Lucknow: In the early hours of Tuesday, a raging fire broke out inside the labour accommodation complex located within the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport premises. Dark, choking smoke spread across the area as flames raced up the three‑storey structure.
Origin of the Fire
The hostel, constructed by Tata Projects using PVC‑clad panels, houses roughly 352 construction workers engaged on various airport projects. Initial investigations suggest the fire started around 6:30 a.m. when a worker was cooking on a gas cylinder, causing an instant flash that quickly engulfed the building.
Prompt Evacuation of Workers
Upon hearing the alarm, staff members initiated an immediate evacuation. All residents were guided out within minutes, preventing a larger tragedy. Two labourers, identified as Nirmal and Rahul, suffered burn injuries while attempting to retrieve personal belongings; they were swiftly taken to a nearby hospital for care.
Firefighters Mobilized
The airport’s fire brigade deployed nine fire tenders to combat the blaze. Crews confronted intense flames that had already consumed several sections of the three‑storey block. After sustained effort, they managed to bring the fire under control. The ground and first floors incurred heavy damage, while the upper level showed noticeable scorching.
Numerous personal effects stored in the dormitory appear to have been lost, and a comprehensive valuation of the damage is currently underway.
Ongoing Investigation
Police and airport security sealed off the area while rescue operations continued. Officers from the Sarojini Nagar police station, led by SHO Rajdev Prajapati, arrived to record statements and gather evidence. The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities examining how the incident escalated so rapidly.
Thanks to the rapid evacuation, there were no fatalities, turning what could have been a catastrophic event into a narrowly avoided disaster.
