All 15 victims of the devastating fire in Lucknow died from smoke inhalation, with post-mortem examinations ruling out burns as the primary cause of death. The reports, released on Tuesday, found no clear evidence of extensive burn injuries or deep wounds that could directly explain the fatalities.
Post-Mortem Findings
According to officials, the autopsies conducted on the deceased showed that smoke inhalation was the sole cause of death. The victims, who were trapped inside a building in the Old City area, succumbed to the toxic fumes before flames could reach them. "The post-mortem reports confirm that all 15 individuals died due to asphyxia from smoke inhalation. There were no significant burn injuries," said a senior forensic expert involved in the examination.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out late Monday night in a multi-story commercial building located in the congested Chowk area of Lucknow. Emergency services responded quickly, but narrow lanes and overcrowded conditions hampered rescue efforts. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within three hours, but the victims were found huddled together in a room on the upper floor, indicating they had tried to escape the smoke.
Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing thick black smoke billowing from the building. "We saw people waving from windows, but the smoke was too dense. The fire department arrived within minutes, but it was too late for many," said a local shopkeeper.
Official Response
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. "The government will take strict action against those responsible for this tragedy. We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims," he stated.
The building owner and two others have been detained for questioning. Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire, but officials have not ruled out negligence.
Impact and Safety Concerns
The tragedy has reignited concerns about fire safety in Lucknow's older neighborhoods, where buildings often lack emergency exits and fire extinguishers. Local residents have demanded stricter enforcement of safety norms. "This is a wake-up call. We need better infrastructure and regular inspections to prevent such incidents," said a community leader.
The incident has also prompted the state government to announce a city-wide fire safety audit of all commercial buildings. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are awaiting the completion of legal formalities to claim compensation.
