5 killed in fire at two hotels

A major fire broke out at two hotels in the busy area of the city early this morning, killing at least five people and critically injuring four, police said.

The fire broke out at a hotel in the Charbagh area near the railway station here at around 6AM and spread to an adjacent hotel, police said.

As many as 55 people, including the hotel staff, were rescued, a senior police official said.

ADG Lucknow zone has been directed to inquire into the incident, Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar said.

People living in and around the densely populated area woke up to the hooting siren of fire tenders and ambulances that virtually made a bee-line to the congested area.

Around 60 people were occupying rooms in these two hotels when the incident occurred.

"Five people have died, while four others have been hospitalised with severe burns. As many as 55 people, including staff of both the hotels, were evacuated," Superintendent of Police (Lucknow West) Vikas Chand Tripathi told PTI.

"Around 15 fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze," he said.

About the cause of the fire, Tripathi said, "It seems there was a short circuit."
Senior minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who visited the site, said, "I have come to know that the mishap took place reportedly due to short circuit. We will inquire into the exact cause and come out with a report in a week."