A couple and their three children died in a massive fire that broke out in a five-storey building in Kanpur, police said on Monday.

The incident took place in the city's Gandhi Nagar locality. According to initial reports, the building housed a shoe manufacturing unit on the lower floors, while the upper floors were used as residences. The fire reportedly started due to a short circuit and quickly engulfed the entire structure.

Multiple fire tenders rushed to the spot, and firefighting teams worked for hours to douse the flames and evacuate those inside. Police and senior fire department officials are present at the site, overseeing the rescue operation.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident. He has directed district administration officials and fire brigade teams to reach the site immediately and expedite the relief and rescue operations.

Further details are awaited.

Source: India Today