At least eight people were killed after a fire broke out at an animation training centre in Lucknow on Monday, authorities said, while local media reported the death toll could be as high as 14.
According to reports, most of the victims were students at the institute, located in the Aliganj area of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Television footage showed a person jumping from the first floor of the building as flames engulfed the structure, while emergency responders were seen carrying bodies from the scene.
“This is a major incident, it’s very saddening,” Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak told reporters.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, while rescue and relief operations remain underway.