All 15 people who died in the fire at a building in the Aliganj area of Lucknow succumbed to suffocation caused by smoke inhalation, with post-mortem examinations indicating that toxic fumes, and not burn injuries, were the primary cause of death, doctors said on Wednesday.
According to doctors involved in the autopsy process, the examinations did not show extensive burn injuries or deep external wounds that could account for the fatalities. Instead, several bodies showed signs consistent with smoke exposure, including soot deposits in the nasal passages and swelling around the eyes and face.
A senior doctor associated with the post-mortem examinations said that all 15 victims died due to asphyxiation.
"The post-mortem examination has revealed that all 15 victims died due to suffocation caused by smoke inhalation. No major burn injuries or grievous external wounds were found that could be attributed as the direct cause of death," the doctor said on condition of anonymity.
Doctors said the findings are consistent with fire incidents in enclosed spaces, where rapidly depleting oxygen levels and accumulation of toxic gases often become more lethal than flames themselves.
In such conditions, occupants may lose consciousness quickly due to inhalation of dense smoke before they are able to escape, medical experts said.
“In enclosed spaces affected by fire, oxygen levels can rapidly decline while toxic gases accumulate, creating conditions that can lead to suffocation,” the doctor explained. “In many cases, trapped occupants do not get sufficient time or opportunity to escape. The deceased must have lost consciousness due to heavy smoke before their deaths.”
Also read: Lucknow fire: Building-owners faced demolition order since 2016
Officials added that burning materials such as plastic, foam and other synthetic substances can release poisonous gases, including carbon monoxide, which disrupts the body’s ability to carry oxygen in the blood and can lead to unconsciousness within minutes.
The fire broke out on Monday in a three-storey commercial complex on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj, which housed an animation centre. Most of the victims were youngsters, including students, according to officials.
The incident has triggered widespread concern and prompted the Uttar Pradesh government to order a high-level probe into possible fire safety lapses.
Authorities have also initiated checks on other educational and commercial buildings to ensure compliance with safety norms. The Lucknow Development Authority has issued notices over alleged regulatory violations linked to the structure.
The state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
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