Fatal fire in a multistorey building in Kolkota

In a fire incident that happened yesterday at about 1810 hr on the 13th floor of a building, seven persons including firefighters and police lost their lives. It is reported that the personnel used the elevator/lift to reach the site quickly. In the process due to heat on the floor and asphyxiation, they choked and died. 

The general safety principle is not to use the lift in a fire as hot gases will flow upwards in the fire due to draft and can cause choking of persons inside. Also, it is likely that the fire can damage the metallic body, lifting cables and electrical cables endangering the persons inside. Also, Lift doors can get jammed due to hot conditions and trap the persons inside.  Hence, it is always advised not to use a lift but to use stairs in case of fire.

Further, to make a foolproof system, it is better to interlock such that the power supply to the lift will be cut off in the event of fire detection and the lift will go only to the next level and stop there and doors are opened automatically.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/kolkata-7-dead-in-fire-at-strand-road-eastern-railway-building-7220006/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-fire-breaks-out-in-multi-storeyed-building/articleshow/81396334.cms

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-feared-dead-in-fire-at-high-rise-in-kolkata-2386463