Pathikrit.ChakrabortyLucknow: A joint probe by police, the fire department and forensic experts into the Aliganj blaze that killed 15 people has uncovered a series of critical lapses that turned the building into a death trap.Investigators said an electrical short circuit in the outdoor unit of an air-conditioner in the basement triggered the fire, which rapidly spread through the structure, trapping occupants inside a smoke-filled building with no accessible escape route.The basement, used as a storage area for a pet shop, contained large quantities of combustible material, including pet supplies and other goods. Three motorcycles parked near the AC unit are also believed to have accelerated the blaze.The probe found that the 185 square metre building lacked adequate ventilation, with no windows or exhaust systems. As the fire intensified, thick toxic smoke spread within minutes to all floors, severely restricting visibility and blocking escape routes.A total of 23 people were inside the building when the fire broke out. Seven managed to escape by climbing down using electrical wires, while another person, identified as Jayant Gupta, jumped from an upper floor and remains critical at KGMU. Fifteen others were trapped and died.Officials said all victims succumbed to suffocation rather than burn injuries, highlighting the impact of dense smoke.The second floor, which housed Head Hoppers Studio and a library named Learning Space, emerged as the epicenter of the tragedy.The studio, involved in 3D art production and game asset outsourcing, had multiple workstations, cabins and a kitchen. Occupants on this floor struggled to escape as smoke quickly engulfed the premises.One of the most serious violations flagged by investigators was a locked iron channel gate on the staircase leading to the terrace. This blocked a crucial evacuation route and also prevented smoke from escaping. Officials said several lives might have been saved had the exit remained open.Rescue operations were further complicated by the building’s single-entry design and lack of ventilation. More than 20 fire tenders battled the blaze for nearly four hours. Firefighters eventually breached a rear wall to gain access and recover victims. Accumulated water inside the structure during firefighting also hindered operations.BOXNotice pasted on fire-hit buildingThe Lucknow Development Authority on Wednesday pasted a notice on the gutted Aliganj building, citing building bylaw violations and unauthorised commercial use. The owner has been asked to respond within 15 days, failing which demolition proceedings may be initiated, officials said.
