Fifteen people died of suffocation in the fire that broke out in a Lucknow building. All of them desperately tried to escape, but could not get out due to thick smoke and the locked gate. Bhaskar reporters entered the Head Hopper Studio, from where 15 bodies were recovered, to investigate the scene. The conditions inside were found to be horrific.
The two-storey building, constructed on just 185 square metres of land, had neither windows nor exhaust systems. As a result, when the fire broke out, smoke filled the entire structure. The biometric double-lock gate of the coaching centre on the second floor got jammed. People trapped inside rushed into the washrooms in an attempt to save themselves.
However, the washrooms too filled with smoke. After some time, as the wooden structures inside the studio caught fire, glass panels shattered and fell. Despite this, the smoke could not escape from the building. Fire brigade officials and personnel entered by breaking through the rear wall of the building and found bodies lying on top of one another. The team recovered all 15 bodies one by one.
See 3 pictures…
All belongings including the studio on all floors were reduced to ashes by the fire.
The fire was so intense that fans and other items burned and fell down. Only debris is visible at the site now.
ADG Lucknow Zone Praveen Kumar, who is part of the SIT formed to investigate the fire incident, reached the studio and thoroughly examined every single thing.
Spark originated from short circuit in basement AC
The investigation has revealed that the fire originated in the basement of the building. A short circuit in the outdoor unit of an air-conditioner triggered the blaze. Within moments, the entire building was engulfed in smoke and flames.
The basement was being used as a warehouse for a pet shop and contained a large quantity of goods. Several pets were also present there. Three motorcycles were parked next to the AC outdoor unit. All these factors contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Smoke filled all floors due to lack of ventilation
Investigators found that 23 people were inside the building at the time of the incident. Amid the smoke and fire, seven people managed to escape using wires as support. One young man jumped from the upper floor and is currently undergoing treatment. The remaining 15 people were trapped inside and died.
According to investigating officials, the absence of ventilation caused smoke to accumulate across all floors. Those trapped inside could not find a way out. Most of the deaths were caused not by burns but by suffocation due to toxic smoke.
Forensic experts and local police officers also visited the studio and collected evidence.
Forensic and local police officers also reached the studio to investigate and gather evidence.
People trapped on the second floor kept struggling to get out
Investigators found that different activities were being conducted on different floors of the building. The basement, ground floor and first floor housed a pet shop and clinic. The second floor had a library called Learning Space and Head Hopper Studio.
The studio was engaged in 3D art production and game asset outsourcing. The floor also contained a kitchen, cabins, washrooms and a large number of computers. After the fire spread, people on this floor were the ones who struggled the most to get out.
The fire reportedly intensified due to materials stored in the pet shop warehouse in the basement.
The fire broke out due to materials stored in the pet shop warehouse in the basement.
Biometric gate locked, stairs to the roof were padlocked
One of the most serious findings in the investigation is that a metal channel gate had been installed on the staircase leading to the roof. However, it was locked. As a result, smoke could not escape upwards.
In addition, the studio’s main entrance operated through a biometric system and became locked during the incident. Investigators believe that if access to the roof had been open, several people might have been able to save themselves.
The bodies were recovered after rescuers broke through the rear wall of the building. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also visited the site late on the night of 22 June (Monday).
Bodies were removed from the studio by breaking the back wall. Late night on June 22 (Monday), CM Yogi also visited this site.
20 Fire Brigade Vehicles Conducted 8-Hour Rescue Operation
The building’s single access route and lack of ventilation created significant challenges for rescue teams. More than 20 fire brigade vehicles remained engaged in the operation for nearly eight hours.
During firefighting efforts, water accumulated throughout the building, affecting rescue operations. Teams eventually broke through the rear wall to gain entry and then recovered the bodies from inside.
SIT and Forensic Team Arrived for Investigation
A two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident. Principal Secretary (Housing and Urban Planning) Amrit Abhijat and ADG Lucknow Zone Praveen Kumar, both members of the SIT, visited the site on 23 June (Tuesday).
The forensic team also reached the studio and collected evidence.
ADG Praveen Kumar said that evidence has been gathered and statements will be recorded from eyewitnesses, building operators and victims’ families. Once the investigation is complete, details regarding the causes of the incident and those responsible will be made public.
A separate inquiry committee formed by the Lucknow Development Authority is also examining the building’s construction, map approval, fire safety compliance and exit arrangements. Preliminary findings suggest serious lapses in adherence to safety norms.
