Fire exit replaced by lift, electrical lapses trapped 15 students in Aliganj blaze
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Aliganj fire tragedy, in which 15 students were killed after being trapped inside a burning building, has uncovered
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Aliganj fire tragedy, in which 15 students were killed after being trapped inside a burning building, has uncovered a series of alleged violations that investigators say worsened the disaster and severely restricted escape options. According to the SIT report submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday, the designated fire exit area in the building had been altered in violation of safety norms. Investigators found that the location earmarked for a fire exit should have had iron emergency staircases but was instead occupied by a lift installation. Read Full Story The probe also revealed preparations were underway to install another lift in front of the building, allegedly in violation of prescribed standards. The SIT concluded that if proper fire exits had existed and remained functional, the loss of lives could have been significantly reduced and all 15 victims may have had a chance to escape.
The enquiry further pointed to electrical irregularities that may have intensified the blaze. Records showed the building had an authorised electricity connection of 20 kilowatts, while actual consumption exceeded 35 kilowatts. Investigators believe the excessive load contributed to the severity and spread of the fire. Separately, a probe by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) identified multiple structural violations, including construction of an additional floor beyond approved limits. A penalty of nearly Rs 92 lakh was imposed connected to these irregularities. The LDA has also handed over to the SIT a list of 18 engineers linked to the building approvals and oversight process. Of them, 12 have since retired. The investigation also found that although an electrical safety-related No Objection Certificate (NOC) had been obtained after the building was connected to a 20-kilowatt supply in 2000, it was not renewed after two years.
ALIGANJ FIRE TRAGEDY: WHEN AND HOW IT HAPPENED? The Aliganj fire tragedy took place on June 22 when a massive blaze engulfed a multi-storey commercial building on Usha Mehta Marg in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, trapping students and young professionals inside. The building housed multiple establishments, including a pet facility on the lower floors and a library, training centre and gaming/animation studio on the upper floor. The fire broke out in the afternoon and spread rapidly through the structure, with preliminary findings pointing to electrical faults and safety lapses as possible factors behind the incident. Several people were unable to evacuate as thick smoke filled the building and escape routes became inaccessible. Some occupants reportedly attempted to flee by jumping from upper floors while others remained trapped inside.
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