All 15 people who died in a devastating fire at a building in Lucknow on June 24, 2026, suffocated to death, according to the post-mortem report released on June 25. The report noted that no extensive burn injuries were found on the deceased, indicating that smoke inhalation was the primary cause of death.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out in a multi-story building in the Hazratganj area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, late on June 24. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. Rescue teams recovered 15 bodies from the premises, with many victims found unconscious due to smoke.
According to officials, the building housed several offices and commercial establishments. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze.
Post-Mortem Findings
The post-mortem examination was conducted at the King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. Dr. R.K. Singh, head of the forensic department, stated, "All 15 bodies showed signs of suffocation due to smoke inhalation. There were no major burn injuries that could have caused death." He added that the victims likely lost consciousness quickly due to toxic fumes.
The report further indicated that most victims were found in stairwells and corridors, suggesting they were trying to escape when they succumbed to smoke.
Official Response
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased. He also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. "We will ensure strict action against those responsible for this tragedy," he said in a statement.
Fire department officials noted that the building lacked adequate fire safety measures, including sprinklers and proper emergency exits. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has been asked to conduct a safety audit of all commercial buildings in the city.
Impact and Reactions
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial buildings across Uttar Pradesh. Local residents and business owners have demanded stricter enforcement of safety norms. "This is a wake-up call for authorities. We need regular inspections and better infrastructure to prevent such tragedies," said Ravi Sharma, a shop owner in the area.
Meanwhile, families of the victims are grieving the loss. Many have criticized the slow response of emergency services. "My brother called me saying there was smoke, and then the line went dead. By the time I reached, the building was engulfed in flames," said a relative of one victim.
