A devastating fire in Lucknow’s Aliganj, claiming at least 15 lives, appears to have originated from a pet shop’s air-conditioner. Fire safety experts highlight a confluence of factors, including poor building design, inadequate ventilation, and combustible materials, that exacerbated the tragedy. The structure, originally residential and later converted for commercial use, lacked proper evacuation routes, trapping students and employees amidst rapidly spreading flames and accumulating smoke.
