A massive Aliganj building fire in Lucknow claims lives of students and professionals, raising serious questions over safety compliance and electrical risks.

The devastating Lucknow fire that tore through a three-storey commercial building in Aliganj on Monday claimed at least 18 lives, most of them young students and professionals. As grieving families gathered outside hospitals and mortuaries, heartbreaking accounts of victims' final phone calls emerged. Meanwhile, investigators are examining whether electrical overloads and safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.

Could Faster Rescue Efforts Have Saved More Lives?

Several families believe quicker rescue operations might have prevented additional deaths. Among the victims was 23-year-old Sukhmani Singh, a game designer and instructor at an animation center operating in the building. According to his father, Sukhmani called around 2 p.m., pleading for help as smoke engulfed the premises and escape routes disappeared.

Another victim, 27-year-old Joyneel Chakravorty, reportedly contacted relatives in panic, saying he and others were trapped inside. Family members who rushed to the scene claimed rescue teams eventually broke through a wall to reach occupants but questioned whether the action could have been taken sooner.

Exclusive Highlights

  • Victims made emotional rescue calls before suffocating.

  • Most deceased were students and young professionals.

  • Families question delays in critical rescue efforts.

  • Thick smoke became the deadliest factor indoors.

Officials at King George’s Medical University said many victims showed no major external injuries, indicating that suffocation from smoke was the primary cause of death. The Lucknow fire tragedy has left several families mourning loved ones whose final moments were spent desperately seeking help.

Did Electrical Overload and Safety Failures Trigger the Disaster?

Preliminary findings have placed the building's electrical infrastructure under scrutiny. Investigators found that while the sanctioned electricity load stood at 20 kilowatts, actual consumption had reportedly risen to 34.10 kVA by June.

Authorities are examining whether prolonged excess load stressed the building's wiring and electrical systems. Reports also suggest tenants had previously complained about recurring electrical issues and MCB tripping.

The Directorate of Electrical Safety and LESA have launched a technical probe into the incident. Officials are also reviewing safety approvals, inspections, and compliance records as they work to determine the exact cause of one of Lucknow's deadliest commercial building fires in recent years.

Thus, Business Fortune is of the view that stricter safety checks and accountability are essential to prevent future fire tragedies.