Lucknow: While flames are the most visible during a fire, doctors in the city say smoke inhalation, toxic gases and lack of oxygen are responsible for most fire-related deaths, especially in enclosed spaces such as homes, hospitals and commercial buildings where people get trapped.Medical experts, referring to the massive fire in a three-storey commercial building in Aliganj on Monday, said smoke inhalation accounts for the majority of fire deaths, often between 50-80%. They added that globally, toxic gases released during a fire — and not burns — are the main cause of fatalities.Prof Ved Prakash, head of respiratory critical care medicine at KGMU, said many victims succumb to suffocation before suffering major burns.“In an enclosed space, smoke spreads rapidly and oxygen levels begin to fall. At the same time, gases such as carbon monoxide enter the bloodstream and reduce the body’s ability to transport oxygen. Many victims lose consciousness within minutes,” he said.He said smoke contains fine particles and toxic chemicals that penetrate deep into the lungs and cause severe breathing distress. Hot smoke can also burn the respiratory tract and lead to swelling of the airway, which may turn life-threatening hours after rescue.Dr Brajesh Mishra of KGMU plastic surgery department said severe burns remain a major risk among survivors. “Extensive burns result in massive fluid loss, shock and damage to multiple organs. The larger the burn area, the higher the chances of complications and death,” he said.He added that modern buildings contain large amounts of plastic, foam, synthetic furniture and electrical material that release highly toxic fumes when they burn.“These fumes can cause serious internal injury even when external burns appear limited. If a person is trapped in a closed space during a fire, the possibility of death is much higher than in open spaces,” he said.Prof D Himanshu, infectious diseases expert at KGMU, said infection is another major cause of death among burn patients.“The skin acts as the body’s first line of defence. Once this barrier is destroyed, harmful bacteria can easily enter the body. Burn patients are at high risk of wound infections, bloodstream infections and sepsis,” he said.He added that elderly, diabetics and those with underlying illnesses face a higher risk of developing life-threatening complications during recovery.Doctors stress that awareness about the dangers of smoke and toxic gases is crucial, as these invisible hazards account for most fatalities in fires, particularly in closed spaces.
