Campus Times | Lucknow

A devastating fire at an animation institute in Lucknow Aliganj area claimed 15 lives, leaving behind scenes of grief, devastation, and unanswered questions. Survivors who managed to escape the blaze have recounted harrowing stories of courage, desperation, and survival.

For many trapped inside the four storey building, survival depended on split second decisions as flames and thick smoke rapidly spread through the premises, cutting off escape routes and creating panic among employees.

Rope becomes lifeline for employee

Among the survivors is Lovepreet, an institute employee from Delhi, who found herself trapped as smoke and flames engulfed the building.

According to Lovepreet, employees had just returned from lunch when they noticed a burning smell coming from the lower floors. Within minutes, dense smoke began filling the office, triggering panic among staff members.

With stairways inaccessible and exits blocked, Lovepreet and several colleagues broke a window and used a rope to escape. In a desperate attempt to save her life, she jumped from the fourth floor.

The fall left her with a serious leg injury, but she survived. She is currently undergoing treatment at the KGMU Trauma Centre and is recovering from her injuries.

Survivor escapes through broken window

Another survivor, Pankaj, a resident of Uttarakhand, escaped through a route few would dare to attempt.

As thick smoke reduced visibility and panic spread throughout the building, he found no accessible exit. In a desperate bid to survive, Pankaj smashed a window, carefully navigated through the broken glass, moved along an exterior railing, and eventually climbed down using a pipe attached to the building.

Birthday celebration turns into fight for survival

For Bhuvan, a game developer at the institute, the day had begun on a cheerful note. Employees had gathered after lunch to celebrate a colleague birthday, and the office was filled with laughter and festivities.

However, the atmosphere changed within moments when screams from the lower floors alerted employees to the fire. Many rushed toward the staircase in an attempt to escape, only to find it engulfed in thick smoke.

While some managed to escape by jumping from windows, climbing down pipes, or using ropes, many others were unable to make it out. The tragedy has left families grieving and survivors haunted by memories of a nightmare they may never fully overcome.