SIT revisits Aliganj fire site, checks layout, exits, wiring and fire norms

Lucknow: On the third day of its probe into the Aliganj fire tragedy that killed 15 people, a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) returned to the gutted building to re-examine the site, verify technical evidence and speak with local residents.The SIT is headed by additional chief secretary, tourism and culture, Amrit Abhijat and includes ADG (Lucknow Zone) Praveen Kumar.Officials carried out a detailed inspection of the structure, focusing on the building’s layout, access routes, entry and exit points, electrical installations and any structural changes that may have affected safety. The team also checked compliance with fire safety norms and examined whether alterations or blockages could have hindered evacuation.Investigators scrutinised sanctioned building plans, electricity connection documents, approved load details and permissions granted by various govt departments. The objective, officials said, was to assess whether unauthorised construction, regulatory lapses or deviations from approved plans contributed to the scale of the tragedy.Speaking to reporters during the visit, Abhijat said the SIT was independently corroborating facts emerging from multiple reports before arriving at findings.

“To begin with, based on the facts coming before us and the reports we are receiving, we want to be satisfied about the issues being raised and the actual situation here. We want to understand matters related to electrical safety and get exact details of the site, specifically from where the fire may have erupted,” he said.Abhijat added that the team was also evaluating the city’s emergency response infrastructure, particularly the availability and use of municipal water hydrants during firefighting operations.

“Apart from that, we are examining the use of fire hydrant facilities and water hydrants available with the municipal corporation and the water department. Since sufficient water is available there, these facilities should be utilised more effectively during emergencies,” he said.The SIT also interacted with residents who witnessed the incident to cross-check timelines and observations. Sources said the team has sought Forensic Science Laboratory reports on burnt wiring, damaged equipment, debris and other material to determine the origin of the fire and the pattern of its spread.Statements of injured survivors have also been recorded to reconstruct escape attempts, assess whether any fire safety systems functioned and identify obstacles that prevented evacuation. A senior home department official said the SIT will examine accountability across all departments linked to approvals for construction, electricity connections and fire safety compliance.