India, June 22 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep anguish over the tragic fire incident at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area, which claimed more than 12 lives and left several others injured.

The fire broke out in a three-storey commercial building housing a coaching institute, triggering a large-scale rescue and firefighting operation. Several students were reportedly trapped inside the building as thick smoke engulfed the premises.

In response to the tragedy, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and Rs.50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Fire tenders and rescue teams rushed to the spot soon aft...