Lucknow Fire: Biometric Lockdown Trapped Victims, Survivor Says

At least 15 people died in a fire at a commercial building in Lucknow on [date], with most victims being employees of Head Hopper Studios on the second floor. A friend of one victim alleged that the office's biometric entry-exit system malfunctioned, blocking escape routes.

'Even the route to the roof was not accessible because the biometric system was not functioning,' said a friend of Sukhmani Singh, one of the deceased.

Aasif, a survivor who worked at the company, escaped by opening a window and climbing down a power cable. He confirmed that the biometric system stopped working but added that he and a few others managed to get out before that.

Local authorities are investigating the incident, including the building's safety compliance. Fire officials said the blaze originated from an electrical short circuit on the ground floor and spread rapidly due to combustible materials.

The tragedy has raised questions about workplace safety and the reliability of electronic access controls in emergencies. The building lacked adequate fire exits, according to preliminary reports.

Relatives of the victims have demanded strict action against the owners and stricter enforcement of fire safety norms.