Lucknow: In the early hours of Tuesday, a fierce fire broke out inside the labour accommodation block that forms part of the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport complex. Thick, choking smoke rose rapidly as the flames licked the three‑storey structure.
Origin of the Fire
The hostel, constructed by Tata Projects with PVC‑panel walls, houses approximately 352 construction workers engaged in airport‑related projects. Initial investigations suggest the fire started around 6:30 a.m. when a worker was using a gas cylinder for cooking. The blaze quickly spread through the building, putting hundreds of occupants at risk.
Swift Evacuation of Residents
Once the alarm sounded, staff initiated an immediate evacuation. All occupants were ushered 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 promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Firefighters Arrive in Force
The airport’s fire brigade dispatched nine fire tenders to the scene. Crews faced a daunting challenge as the fire had already engulfed several sections of the three‑storey block. After sustained effort, they managed to bring the blaze under control. The ground and first floors incurred severe damage, while the upper levels showed signs of scorching.
Numerous personal effects stored in the hostel appear to have been destroyed, and a comprehensive assessment of property loss is currently underway.
Investigation Initiated
Police and airport security sealed off the area while rescue operations continued. Officers from 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 probing how the flames spread so rapidly.
Thanks to the rapid evacuation, no fatalities have been reported, turning what could have been a catastrophic incident into a narrowly avoided disaster.
