Lucknow Fire: Single Exit, No Emergency Escape Route Among Key Lapses Flagged In FIR After Blaze Kills 15

Lucknow Coaching Fire: As investigators dig deeper into the deadly Aliganj fire tragedy that claimed 15 lives, the FIR into the deadly fire has revealed a series of alarming safety lapses that may have worsened the disaster and trapped the victims in the building.

According to a report by News18, the commercial building had only one entry and exit point, leaving several people trapped as flames and smoke engulfed the structure. With no alternative escape route available, many occupants were forced to jump from upper floors in a desperate bid to survive.

Key Lapses Found

An absence of an emergency evacuation door has also been pointed out by the investigators as a grave negligence towards the safety standards. According to the FIR, the ventilation of the premises was improper, resulting in a dense smoke filling the house, with the investigation suggesting that many victims had died due to suffocation.

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The building, where the animation training institute was functioning, is suspected of running without the proper safety measures, including firefighting equipment. The condition of electrical fittings is said to be problematic, and the wiring is found to be disorderly.

Questions have been raised about enforcement procedures, compliance mechanisms, and even such things as failure to comply with common fire codes.

SIT Probe Underway

Given the severity of the incident, CM Yogi Adityanath formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday to investigate the matter. The SIT team, which came into action, visited the scene on Tuesday and completed the process of gathering scientific evidence 

"We will look into all the possible angles, and a report with all the details will be submitted within the estimated period as directed by the Chief Minister," an SIT member said, as quoted by News18.

Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Praveen Kumar said investigators are also verifying whether the building possessed a valid fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) and whether any construction-related violations existed.

"We're looking into all possible angles. The probe is at its initial stage, and we will share as soon as something significant is found," Kumar said.

The blaze erupted in a three-storey building in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday. Most of the victims were students attending classes at the animation centre operating from the premises. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Action Against Those At Fault

So far, three individuals, including the owner, have been arrested, and four officials have been suspended for negligence. CM Yogi summoned Lucknow Development Authority VP Prathamesh Kumar for an action report on the Aliganj coaching centre fire, which killed 15, focusing on illegal constructions. 

Multiple departments are now under scrutiny for negligence:

- LDA officials: Alleged failure to act on illegal construction and the 2016 notice

- Municipal Corporation: Allowed commercial use and tax classification despite violations

- District Administration: Questions raised over monitoring of safety norms in crowded commercial spaces

- Police Department: Alleged failure in addressing overcrowding and blocked exits

- Fire Department: Under scrutiny for the absence of a valid NOC verification