Mohammad Asif, who survived the tragic fire incident in Lucknow’s Aliganj area that claimed 18 lives, shared his terrifying experience. Asif described how the biometric system locked the entry to the studios on the building’s second floor, forcing him to descend using an electric wire.
Asif narrated the sequence of events, stating that the fire broke out due to a short circuit while they were preparing to resume work after lunch. He mentioned the challenges they faced with the biometric machine malfunctioning and the door not opening, leading them to find an alternative escape route.
Despite the chaos and smoke filling the staircase, Asif and a few others managed to climb down using an electricity wire near a window. Tragically, some individuals who sought refuge in a washroom were unable to escape the blaze, highlighting the severity of the situation.
According to Asif, the delayed arrival of the fire brigade and the malfunctioning fire alarm exacerbated the crisis. He emphasized the intensity of the fire, noting that even from a distance of 100 meters, they could feel the heat on their skin.
Mala Nigam, another witness, described the ferocity of the flames, making it impossible for anyone to enter the building for rescue efforts. She mentioned the heroic attempts to save animals from a pet shop on the ground floor and the challenges faced in rescuing trapped children on the upper floors.
