Smoke, screams, panic: 1 dead in massive fire at Lucknow’s Lokbandhu Hospital, 200 evacuated; eyewitnesses describe it as 'frightening scene'

LUCKNOW: Panic gripped patients and staff at the govt-run Lokbandhu Hospital in Lucknow on Monday night after a massive fire broke out around 10 pm, causing chaos and triggering a large-scale evacuation.

Over 200 patients, including those in critical care, were safely shifted out as thick smoke engulfed the premises. Hospital authorities said the fire is suspected to have originated from a short circuit in the women's medicine and emergency ward on the second floor.
Rajkumar, a 61-year-old resident of Chhitwapur in Husainganj, died while being shifted from Lokbandhu Hospital to SPM Civil Hospital on Monday night.
He had been admitted to Lokbandhu Hospital on April 13 with complaints of low blood pressure. According to his son, Deependra Prajapati, the incident occurred after his father’s oxygen support was removed during the transfer.
Deependra and Rajkumar’s son-in-law, Suraj, were present at the time.
Rajkumar is survived by his wife, Lakshmi, two sons, and two daughters.
When contacted, Dr Rajesh Srivastava, chief medical Superintendent of SPM Civil Hospital, confirmed that the patient was brought dead to the hospital.
Three who fell unconscious shifted to KGMU Trauma Centre
The blaze quickly spread across the floor, leading to dense smoke that forced the hospital's power supply to be cut off as a safety measure. Darkness and smoke created a frightening atmosphere, as patients — including children and the elderly — were seen being rushed out by hospital staff and frantic attendants.

There were reports of one death of a patient en route to the SPIMS hospital, but the official confirmation was awaited.
"Around 50 patients were trapped on the affected floor and were rescued with the help of hospital staff, fire department personnel, and a 20-member SDRF team that arrived swiftly for rescue operations," said chief fire officer Mangesh Kumar. He added, "Six fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Using hydraulic ladders, oxygen kits, and smoke exhausters, firefighters entered the smoke-filled wards to rescue patients and extinguish the fire."
The fire was brought under control within a few hours, but smoke continued to linger in parts of the hospital. "Flames have been doused completely, but clearing the smoke is still in progress," Kumar said.
Three patients who fell unconscious due to smoke inhalation were shifted to KGMU Trauma Centre. Other critical patients were relocated to Civil and Balrampur Hospitals, while those requiring specialised care were also being attended to at different medical facilities.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who reached the spot late Monday night, praised the prompt response of the hospital staff and emergency services. "The fire began on the second floor, but due to quick thinking and coordination, around 200 patients were safely evacuated," he said. "Power will be restored once the building is cleared of smoke, and a detailed assessment of the damage will follow."
Chief medical superintendent Dr Ajay Shankar Tripathi confirmed that an investigation into the exact cause has been launched. "Preliminary findings suggest a short circuit, but we will conduct a detailed inquiry. The situation is now under control," he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was briefed about the incident and instructed officials to ensure that all affected patients receive immediate medical attention. Senior officials, including police commissioner Amrendra Singh, Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob, DCP South Nipun Agarwal, mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and municipal commissioner Indrajit Singh, rushed to the hospital to monitor the relief operations.
District magistrate Vishak G confirmed that all patients were safely transferred and are receiving appropriate care. "The fire has been brought under control and there have been no injuries or loss of life," he said.
A frightening scene inside: Eyewitnesses
Several patients and bystanders described the scene inside Lokbandhu Hospital as chaotic and terrifying.
Ramzan (33), a patient from Kakori, had been admitted for the past four days. “Suddenly, there was smoke everywhere and people started screaming. We were terrified — it was pitch dark inside,” he said.
Another patient said, “We were lying down when we saw smoke creeping in. Within moments, flames followed. We rushed out, not knowing what was happening.” Mahesh Rawat, who lives near the hospital, was among the first to notice the fire. “I was on my terrace when I saw flames rising from the hospital building. I rushed here immediately — my aunt is admitted here,” he said.
Barfi Devi (70) had undergone hip-replacement surge ry and was lying on bed number 18-B when the chaos began. “I couldn’t move much on my own. There was smoke all around and people were shouting. Thankfully, nurses helped me get up and took me outside. It was terrifying,” she said, still shaken.
Kalawati Ahuja (70) of Ashiyana, admitted a week ago for breathing difficulties, recalled the first signs of panic through her relative Vicky Ahuja. “Around 8:45 PM, we heard people in nearby wards screaming that there was a fire. Everyone started running. With help from other attendants and hospital staff, we managed to get her out safely,” he said.
Sarita Devi, from Kakori, was caring for her 9-year-old nephew Yug, recovering from a limb surgery. She recounted, “Someone shouted that there was a fire on our floor. Without wasting a second, I lifted Yug in my arms and ran to the ground floor. I didn’t stop to look back.”
Another patient shared, “We were resting when smoke started creeping into the ward. Then flames appeared. We grabbed whatever we could and rushed out blindly. It was complete chaos.” As thick smoke filled building and emergency lights failed due to power cut, attendants, hospital staff, and rescuers worked shoulder to shoulder to carry patients to safety — some on stretchers, others in wheelchairs or arms, amid panic and confusion.